Deadly Black Mamba snake is on the loose in London: Terrifying posters say if you find the 'kiss of death' serpent called Rosie she should NOT be handled.

A deadly black mamba snake called Rosie is on the loose in the London after escaping from her enclosure and people are being warned not to handle her. 

The snake, which is one of the world’s deadliest and can grow to nearly 15ft-long, has been missing for 10 days since leaving her owner's home. 

Posters put up around King's Cross, in London, are asking people to check their homes for the serpent, which likes to seek out warm hiding places, such as behind washing machines or under car seats.

A deadly Black Mamba snake is feared to be on the loose in London after posters (pictured) were put on lampposts around the city asking people to check their homes for the serpent 

The notice, which contains a photo of Rosie, also warns anyone who sees the reptile not to approach it, as it is highly venomous. 

It reads: 'If you see her DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HANDLE HER.'

The person who put up the poster said a reward would be offered to anyone who found the snake and added their phone number. 

Calls to the number were left unanswered this week, causing some people treating the posters as a practical joke.  

Black mambas are one of the most feared snakes in Africa and have the second most potent venom in the world, beaten on only by the King Cobra.

The snakes are also known for being fast, as they are capable of travelling at speeds of up to 7mph, around the jogging speed of humans.

Their bites are rare, but usually prove fatal within minutes unless anti-venom is administered - and in Africa a bite from the snake is known as ‘the kiss of death’.

Simon Reeve, 45, said he has been having nightmares since seeing the poster, adding: 'I’ve been having nightmares about a giant snake curled up in my bed, so I check the covers every night and anywhere else it might be hiding.

'I remember reading about black mambas at school, so I know they could travel pretty fast - they’d certainly catch up to a jogger if they wanted to, but I’d be sprinting if I saw one, let me tell you.'

The snake, which is one of the world’s deadliest and can grow to nearly 15ft-long, has been missing for 10 days since leaving her owner's home. (File picture of a Black Mamba) 

Kathleen O’Donoghue said she spotted the sign earlier this week, adding: 'I’ve been checking my home since.'

Police say that missing snakes is a matter for the RSPCA.  

Bosses at the RSPCA confirmed it was investigating the claims, with scientific officer for exotic animals Alexandra Jones saying: 'Black mamba venom is deadly, as they are related to cobras.

'For this reason, mambas are considered a ‘dangerous wild animal’ and so require a licence to be kept.

'Part of the licensing process is ensuring the animal cannot escape.'

The RSPCA said that it was also investigating whether the poster - posted in at least 10 places around King’s Cross - was a prank, but said if anyone came across the snake they should ‘keep a safe distance and call the police’.