The owner of a snake sanctuary has died after apparently being bitten by one of his own animals.

Luke Yeomans, 47, had been due to open the King Cobra Sanctuary in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, this weekend.

Police confirmed they were called to a property in Brookhill Leys Road, near Eastwood, where Mr Yeomans had suffered a suspected heart attack.

Officers confirmed the snake had been contained and there was no danger to the public.

Depleted habitat
It was also confirmed the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The RSPCA, Health and Safety Executive and Broxtowe Borough Council have been informed of the incident.

Nottinghamshire Police said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death was under way.

In an interview with the BBC earlier this year, Mr Yeomans said he started the sanctuary in 2008, in reaction to the depletion of the snake's natural habitat in the forests of south-east Asia and India.

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