Snaking out: Former X Factor contestant's 6ft boa escapes from his home

Residents were warned to keep their doors and windows closed yesterday after a 6ft boa constrictor escaped from the home of a former contestant on the television show X Factor.

The snake, which kills its prey by squeezing it to death, is believed to have escaped while owner Ashley McKenzie, 22, was performing at a charity fund-raising event on Sunday afternoon.

The singer - who reached the final stages of the third series of the hit ITV1 talent show in 2006 - yesterday offered a £500 reward for the safe return of the reptile, called Snakey.  

A police spokeswoman said the snake, described as black with distinctive brown markings, had been fed in the few days before it vanished from McKenzie's home in St Mary's Island, Chatham, Kent.

As a result, it is likely to be lethargic and experts believe Snakey will be looking for a warm place to hide from the current cold and wet weather.