The male driver spotted a python hiding on a tire after a note warned him

A driver was stunned to discover a note had been left on his car warning him of an unwelcome guest lurking in his bike.

David Mantellini had been shopping at Coles in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches when he returned to his vehicle on Monday.

About 50 people were gathered around the car and a note was safely left under its windshield wipers.

A driver was stunned to discover a note had been left on his car warning him of an unwelcome guest lurking in his bike

“Hello car owners, there is a python in your left front wheel,” it said. “The jewelers across the street are trying to contact wildlife rescue.”

Mr. Mantellini checked the tire and found the reptile sticking out of the hubcap.

The heartbreaking discovery could not have come at a worse time for Mr Mantelli, who had just given birth to his second daughter, Olivia, five days earlier.

His wife Nicola had just been discharged from hospital and the couple planned to introduce the newborn to their sister Luna that day.

“He was faced with the dilemma of waiting for animal rescue or going to pick up our daughter,” Ms Mantellini told 9News.

“Quick-thinking locals helped him out, and the nearby sushi place took the car key until the police arrived.

“Another lady bundled our car seat into her car so that the toddler pick up and new baby introduction could go ahead as planned.”

The snake was collected by wildlife experts before being released in North Head.

Mr. Mantellini checked the tire and found the reptile sticking out of the hubcap