People living in the Brabant village of Made have been warned to keep their doors and windows closed after a highly venomous yellow cobra escaped from its terrarium.

The owner of the cobra last saw it on Wednesday evening and the council says it is unlikely to still be in his house. The snake is some 70 cm long and yellowy beige in colour.

Parents have also been warned not to let their children play outside. Schools remain open but have been warned to be on the look out. A bite from the yellow cobra can be deadly but there is an antidote.