A man who stole a mattress in Uganda was immediately "arrested" by a snake and had to surrender himself and the stolen item.

The thief stole a brand new mattress this morning in Kyenjojo district in the Western Region of Uganda.

But before he could flee with the stolen item a snake attacked him and wrapped itself around his neck.

Desperate to get help, he cried out, thereby alerting people.

Man "arrested" by snake after stealing a mattress (photos)

A native doctor has been called and efforts are being made to remove the snake from the man's neck.

Man "arrested" by snake after stealing a mattress (photos)

Man "arrested" by snake after stealing a mattress (photos)