Reports of a “highly venomous” snake on the loose in Oxford are false according to a city councillor.

Locals in Jericho were left terrified after a poster was spotted attached to a lamppost near Barefoot Cafe in Walton Street on Friday warning of an escaped snake.

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.”

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

The poster warning of the snake in Oxford.The poster warning of the snake in Oxford. (Image: Public submission)

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.

Alex Hollingsworth, who is a city councillor for Carfax and Jericho, believes that the whole incident is fake and an attempt at humour.

“I think it’s a hoax,” he said.

“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.”

READ MORE: Major Oxfordshire road closes today for THREE MONTHS

When asked about the threat to residents if the missing snake was real, Mr 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.”

The Oxford Mail has approached Thames Valley Police for comment about the posters.

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