DISTRESSING VIDEO! PYTHON STRANGLES CIRCUS TRAINER TO DEATH!

Distressing video shows a circus trainer falling to the ground in front of horrified parents and kids after being reportedly strangled to death by a huge snake during his act.

The audience are said to have believed at first it was part of the performance until the man began writhing in the ring and other circus workers rushed to his aid.

Authorities in Russia were today seeking to verify the location of the act which was not reported to police, according to The Sun.

The shocking video shows the circus trainer going into the ring with a large snake and wraps the reptile around his neck. As the snake strangles him, he gestures for help. Members of the circus team eventually come and pull the snake off him but by then the man appears seriously injured.

The performer’s body appears limp, and the two team members are clearly fearful over his condition. The reports obtained are contradictory so it is unclear where it happened.