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An 8ft-long poisonous snouted cobra was found in a toilet at a block of flats last week.

And to make matters worse, it was clinging to something in the plumbing, and would not be removed.

Now the snake, whose bite can cause respiratory failure and death, has been able to escape into the pipes.

(Image: YOUTUBE/STORYFUL)

For more than a week, residents have been living in fear of the reptile – and now they’re considering drastic action.

Locals in Lynnwood Glen, a suburb of the South African city of Pretoria, could use acid to flush the snake out.

One resident told South Africa’s News24: “People are talking about taking matters into their own hands now”.

“There [is] talk about using pool acid, Jeyes Fluid and hot water to ensure the snake is dead."

Caretaker Eva Panayotakis said the snake had not reappeared but residents were ready.

Barry Greenshields, the snake catcher first called to the flats, is concerned for the serpent.

"They’re still worried and some are feeling like if it comes up they want to kill it which is something I don't want."

He added that snakes have the ability to go for weeks without food, but warned that eventually the cobra will need to eat.