Poisonous snake on the loose after escaping into Texas neighbourhood

A venomous snake has escaped into the community of Grand Prairie, Texas, after a “cage malfunction” occurred at its enclosure.

The snake, a West African banded cobra, was reported missing by its owner around 5pm on Tuesday.

Grand Prairie Animals Services began searching for the animal around 6:30pm, and was joined by the snake's owner, other animal services specialists, and a venomous snake apprehension specialist.