The python that killed two young children was illegally owned by the owner. Jean-Claude Savoie did not have the legal permit to keep the snake.

Noah and Connor Barthe, aged four and six, were brutally killed Monday morning when an African Rock Python apparently strangled the boys to death in a flat above the pet shop in New Brunswick.

The young brothers were supposed to enjoy a sleepover session with their best friend, the son of Jean-Claude Savoie. Mr Savoie has a private collection of exotic animals which included the python as well.

The police have already started a criminal investigation regarding the tragic incident. Noah and Connor had a fun-filled day at the Savoies until they were killed by the python. Their last day was spent playing with their friend, enjoying the pool and having a barbecue at the backyard of Savoie.

The python was 14ft (4.3m) long and 45kg (100lb) heavy. It reportedly escaped its glass cage only to strangle both the boys while they were asleep. As the report says, it was not the only exotic animal that Mr Savoie possessed.

There were several other exotic animals found at Mr Savoie's place. Those were found while the police were doing an investigation regarding the tragic killing of the young boys. New Brunswick laws do not permit Mr Savoie to keep the species of python.

The Department of Natural Resources, New Brunswick said it has never been involved with the permit of the serpent, DNR spokeswoman Anne Bull told ABC.

Speculations run regarding the cause behind the snake killing the children as the experts believe it is unlikely for that species of a python to kill humans. Recent observations say that children might have been a victim of the fun they had that day in the farm.

African Rock pythons have a strong smelling sense. It was possible that the children still had the smell of goats as they played with such animals at the farm earlier that day. Pythons are capable of killing larger animals like goats for food. Since they do not have a powerful vision at night, they are mostly guided by body heat and odours.