Footage shows a gigantic reticulated python frantically trying to escape from the vice-like grip of a king cobra.

Usually it is pythons that crush their prey to death but this time the tables were turned onto the fearsome reptile.

The battle took place at the Nanyang Technological University campus in Singapore and quickly drew a large crowd.

As the duo tussle, the python manages to suddenly turn over the cobra and then break free where it quickly slithers off into the freedom of the bushes.

There was no such luck for the cobra though as students had called the emergency services and it was picked up and bagged by pest control officers.

Pythons are not normally dangerous to humans and are non-venomous, and are known to slowly squeeze their victims to death before eating them whole.

Cobras meanwhile are venomous and indeed the one in the pictures appears to make several attempts to bite the python.

Many people posted comments on social media platforms and users were advised to be alert when taking walks near the bushes or running, particularly at night.

(dailystar.co.uk)