THERE are fears a snake has bitten a dog in a city estate as one councillor warns people to be "alert and safe".

A dog was bitten by a snake while on a walk near Corfe Avenue, in Warndon Villages, according to reports.

However, it is not known what species of snake attacked the pet.

Councillor Sarah Murray, Worcester City councillor for Warndon Parish North, has asked people in the area to remain alert and safe.

Council officials have now been asked to investigate the area with the bite reportedly happening in long grass near a body of water.

READ MORE: No.1 Brownes Way café under construction in Hallow

Cllr Murray said: "I have heard about the incident and have asked council officers to check the local area so that we can be alert to any potential dangers.

"In the meantime, members of the public should report any sightings of snakes. They can email me at sarah.murray@worcester.net.

"Please take care of loose animals in long grass. Be alert and be safe."

READ MORE: No adders in Worcester as snake heads towards extinction

In May, at least three dogs were reported to have been bitten by a snake on Claines Recreation Ground along Cornmeadow Lane.

Reports suggested that the snake could have been an adder, the UK's only venomous snake which is protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. 

However, after Worcester City Council invited a Worcestershire-based, independent ecologist to investigate the likelihood of adders, the conclusion was that the habitat was poor for adders and missing the staple food source for juvenile adders - the common lizard.  

Grass snakes are more common across Worcestershire and are found in a range of habitats.

Adders prefer to use the venom to subdue prey instead of attacking, and grass snakes are not venomous but can bite if threatened.

They usually hiss loudly and strike with their mouth closed in an attempt to scare any threats.

Anyone who sees a snake anywhere in Worcestershire can submit images to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust by visiting www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-sightings and the species can be confirmed.

We have contacted Worcester City Council for more information about this.