Oxford has been terrorised by a “highly venomous” and potentially fictional snake.

The public has been left split on whether or not they think a dangerous missing snake is on the loose in the city centre.

A warning to citizens was issued in the form of a poster which was spotted attached to a lamppost near Barefoot Cafe in Walton Street on Friday.

The poster featured a photograph of a cobra and said: “Attention! Missing snake.

READ MORE: Oxford warned over ‘highly venomous’ snake on the loose

The snake poster which has captured locals' attention.The snake poster which has captured locals' attention. (Image: Public submission)

“Highly venomous, do not approach! Please call on 01865236780.

“Do not call the police or they will take her away from me.”

The Oxford Mail attempted to call this number multiple times but there was no answer with an automated message saying the number had not been recognised.

It has led people to wonder if the posters are a legitimate warning or a prank, prompting a panicked reaction from some of the residents in Jericho with some even sighting the reptile.

READ MORE: Councillor calls hoax on ‘highly venomous snake’ on loose

A snake may be on the loose in Oxford (file photo).A snake may be on the loose in Oxford (file photo). (Image: Unsplash)

A local Facebook group reported spotting the snake on one of Oxford’s pavements at night causing others to believe it was real.

“One of our neighbours has tried the phone number and says it's disconnected. Is it all a hoax?” said an anonymous Hayfield Road resident.

“Or is it a horror story waiting to happen when a dog walker comes face-to-face on the towpath with this deadly predator?”

Others including city representatives have been quick to point out that the missing snake is a thing of fiction and that it is likely to be a joke.

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Councillor Alex Hollingsworth believes it is a hoax.Councillor Alex Hollingsworth believes it is a hoax.

Alex Hollingsworth, who is a city councillor for Carfax and Jericho, said: “I think it’s a hoax.

“It’s somebody’s idea of a joke but it's just not very funny.

“That is my assumption based on the fact that the number is not real.”

When asked about the threat to residents if the missing snake was real, cllr Hollingsworth assured members of the public that experts would handle it.

“I am sure that those who are experts in cobras will be able to say it,” he added.

“But it does seem to be a hoax but it’s just not very funny.”

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Other city residents had their say on the topic with some worrying about the person who may locate the snake should the reptile actually exist.

“I hope, if this isn't a hoax, that the person who is unfortunate enough to find the snake does call the police,” said one local.

“People who can't look after their animals properly shouldn't be allowed to own pets.”

The Oxford Mail has contacted Thames Valley Police for more information.

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Residents have reported sightings of the snake on the pavement (file photo).Residents have reported sightings of the snake on the pavement (file photo). (Image: Unsplash)

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