Escaped python sparks Google search

A three-foot python escaped at Google's offices on April Fool's day

Google had a different kind of search on its hands when a three-foot python escaped at its offices. 

'Kaiser' was brought to Google's offices in the Chelsea neighbourhood of New York as part of the company's Bring Your Pet To Work programme.

The non-venomous ball python made his break for freedom on Sunday, sparking the search.

"Our exterminator, with Google's security team and the snake's owner, are searching for it," said an email sent to staff at the New York offices.

"Should you see the snake, please do not attempt to touch it or pick it up. Call security immediately."

Google spokeswoman Ellen West said that Kaiser was eventually located in the office and taken home by his owner.

The incident happened on April Fool's day, but Google was quick to point out that the story was not a prank.

Google issued a fake press release on the same day announcing the launch of its Toilet Internet Service Provider.