Matt 'the snake' Hunter on the lookout for the missing snake.

LOCK up your pets – a snake is on the loose.

A snake is on the loose in Ipswich and has been spotted in Belle Vue Road after it bit a dog called Pickles.

The predator has already taken a bite out of a terrified dachshund and now people living in Belle Vue Road fear it could strike again.

After a frantic weekend of searching, a 3ft long white corn snake was caught near to where six-year-old Pickle was bitten last Thursday.

But the snake – named Leeloo – was supposedly safely with his owner on that day, raising the prospect of another snake still slithering around on the loose.

The owner, who asked not to be named, is adamant his snake is not to blame for poor Pickle’s bloodied nose.

Speaking yesterday he said: “Leeloo escaped only two days ago. It was not my snake.”

Pickle is recovering well at home with his owners.

Lee Robinson, who lives in Belle Vue Road, was among the first to spot the fugitive. He said: “I was just walking down the road and it was poking out by a fence post.

“It moved and I realised that it was a real one. I was going to put it into a box.

“I did not report it to the police. I told some of the residents who live in the area, most of them thought I was seeing things.

“It was very pale with peachy markings. I thought one of the local kids was playing a joke.

“People have seen grass snakes down there before.

“It’s probably still on the run, if it’s someone’s pet it’s probably going to die as it is not in the environment it needs.”

Amy Blackman, 33, who lives in the street said she had been locking away her two rabbits and cat because she fears they may get eaten.

And the snake is not shy - other witnesses have seen it coiled by the side of cars on the street.

But yesterday, when The Ipswich Star hit the streets in a bid to track down the snake it was nowhere to be seen.

n Have you spotted the snake? Call the newsdesk on 01473 324788.

n Do you have an unusual pet? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.