Snake charmer killed by savage king cobra bite while showing off 'magic skills'

A snake charmer was killed after showing off to villagers by teasing a king cobra which then bit him twice.

The black magic shaman, named Norjani, caught the huge reptile a week ago in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

He kept it locked in his wooden hut for "traditional medicine" before bringing it out to show neighbours on Saturday.

Footage shows how Norjani repeatedly spun the cobra round and laughed as it became increasingly angry - hissing and lunging towards him.

The 16.5ft (five metre) long reptile then plunged its deadly fangs into Norjani's arm. However, the snake handler waved away residents who came to help and instead continued with his bizarre routine.

The king cobra then bit Norjani a second time on his face but he still continued smiling while doing his performance.

Despite claiming to be the best healer in the Mempawah district, Norjani seemed unaware that cobras are one of the world's deadliest snakes and a bite can be fatal.

Two hours after the 4pm performance, he began feeling sick and was taken to hospital where medics gave him anti-venom.

However, the cobra's poison had already spread throughout Norjani's body and he was pronounced dead later that evening.

His devastated family then killed the king cobra by chopping off its head, an act they believe would avenge any evil spirits.

Police Chief Dede Hasanudin said the incident happened in the Pak Utan Village where Norjani had a reputation for risky behaviour with wild animals and would often show his snake charming skills to locals.