Exotic snakes snatched by thieves in a series of raids face certain death without proper care and attention.

Five valuable snakes have been taken in separate incidents from the Tranquillity Aquatic and Reptile Centre, in George Street, Brighton.

Expert Sean Alger, who cares for the reptiles, fears the adult and baby snakes will now die without adequate heat and food.

He said: "There won't be much chance for the baby snakes.

"There's no way people are going to care for them. They are not going to give them a big tank with fresh water and hundreds of pounds' worth of light.

"And if they try to feed them live food that will kill them, because if they are attacked they may never eat again out of fear."

None of the snakes are venomous and they live on dead rodents.

In the latest theft, just after 2pm on Friday, two men stole a Carolina corn snake and an amelanisitic corn snake, worth a total of £150.

The first was about 4ft long and dark orange with red saddles, dark eyes and a black and white checked stomach.

The second, also 4ft long, was almost albino with orange saddles, red eyes and a black and white stomach.

The offenders removed a glass panel and slipped the reptiles down their jackets but were caught in the act on CCTV.

Shop assistant Lou Tovey chased the thieves for more than 20 minutes through the streets but lost them.

The theft comes only a week after a pair of thieves, a man and a woman, escaped with a Pueblan milk snake worth £80, a desert king worth £35 and a Florida king worth £50.

Centre owner David Ford, said: "The snakes aren't dangerous. Anyone with information is urged to call Brighton police on 0845 6070999.