Deadly snakes, including a 30ft python, were found slithering in beds and on floors as armed police stormed a house.

They moved after reports a man inside had threatened to shoot himself.

Police found the occupant asleep and snoring on a couch, surrounded by pythons and a black mamba.

One officer discovered a snake as he pulled back bed covers.

The man was arrested at the house in Firle Road, near Brighton General Hospital, and taken into custody. Seven firearms, including shotguns, rifles and revolvers, were seized at the house. All were found under lock and key.

RSPCA experts were at the house today to round up the snakes.

The owner of the house was helping with inquiries at the police custody centre in Hollingbury, Brighton.

It is understood yesterday's four-hour siege started when a man inside the house telephoned his wife and said he was going to shoot himself following a domestic argument.

The stand-off started at 4pm when 30 officers closed the street.

Police tried in vain to contact the man, first by telephone and then by loudhailer from the force helicopter.

At 8.15pm they made contact and a few minutes later police went in. The incident ended peacefully 30 minutes later.

A Rottweiler and a German shepherd dog found in the house were taken to the man's relatives but officers decided not to remove the snakes.

Inspector Pete Dommett said: "I have to say thank you to all the residents of Firle Road for their patience.

"This was potentially a very serious situation but thankfully it ended peacefully."

Chief Superintendent Paul Curtis, Brighton and Hove police commander, also thanked residents.

He said: "We had a genuine reason to believe that the male might cause harm to himself or members of public.

"The cordons were necessary to ensure people's safety."