A warning has been issued to the public about a “highly venomous” snake on the loose in Oxford as some householders wonder if it is a "hoax".

Residents in Jericho have been left fearful after a poster 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.

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

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

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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.

The poster in Oxford.The poster in Oxford. (Image: Public submission)

A local Facebook group has also apparently reported a sighting of the snake on the pavement at night.

“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?”

The Oxford Mail has approached Thames Valley Police for comment.

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