Snake Handler Found Dead Next To His Pet Python WAS Strangled, Post Mortem Reveals As Police Continue To Probe Whether The Reptile Killed Him

Animal enthusiast Dan Brandon, 31, suffered 'serious injuries' and died at his home in Hampshire, where he lived with his parents along with an array of exotic pets. Nearby to Mr Brandon's dead body was one of his pythons - whose name is not that authorities are now investigating. His social media profiles reveals photos of him with his pets, including one of a huge Burmese python draped over his body. While pythons have killed humans before, experts believe this would be the first ever case in Britain.

Post-mortem results found that he died as a result of 'asphyxia', Basingstoke coroner's court heard today. 

Non-venomous pythons constrict their prey, rather than attacking with a bite.

However, detectives are still investigating whether Mr Brandon was killed by his pet. 

An inquest into his mysterious death was opened this morning, with further hearings to be held next month.

His family asked to be left alone when approached by MailOnline this morning. 

Mr Brandon was a keen animal enthusiast and he posted photos of him with his pets, including a huge Burmese python draped over his body, to his social media accounts. 

While pythons have killed humans before, experts believe this would be the first ever case in Britain.

A source told The Sun: 'It is under investigation whether the snake was involved. The death is in an investigation stage between natural causes and an inquest.

'Investigators are waiting for the full toxicology results and reports to come back from a post-mortem. Depending on the results, an inquest may be opened.'

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said: 'We were called to an address in Church Crookham. A 31-year-old man had suffered serious injuries and died at the scene.

'The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage. A file will be prepared for the coroner.' 

Despite being found nearby its owners body, a friend of Mr Brandon's believed the snake had nothing to do with his death.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said: 'We were called to an address in Church Crookham. A 31-year-old man had suffered serious injuries and died at the scene.

'The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage. A file will be prepared for the coroner.' 

Despite being found nearby its owners body, a friend of Mr Brandon's believed the snake had nothing to do with his death.