Snake handler found dead next to pet python was suffocated

An exotic animal lover who was found dead next to his pet python was suffocated, it was confirmed today.

31-year-old Dan Brandon was found dead at his home with one of his pet snakes close to him on August 25.

A coroner's official confirmed today that his post-mortem had been carried out and the cause of death given was asphyxia.

The snake handler lived with his parents in Church Crookham, Hampshire, where he kept a large number of exotic pets, including a Burmese python.

Police discovered Dan with "serious injuries" in his bedroom with one of his snakes loose from its cage nearby.

A full inquest into his death will be held next month.

A JustGiving page in Mr Brandon's memory has been set up in aid of the World Wildlife Fund.