A BRAVE engineer saved a snake at a sewage works by picking it up with his hands - not realising it was a venomous 'cobra'.
The fearless Thames Water worker rescued the three-foot-long snake after it was spotted slowly slithering along a path at the site, without realising it packed a venomous bite.
RSPCA inspectors were stunned when they arrived at Basingstoke Sewage Works, in Hamps., to pick up the serpent, because they expected it to be a completely harmless breed.
They are named after their ability to flatten their neck to appear bigger, to take on the appearance of a deadly cobra.
The fearsome snake was spotted as workers carried out an inspection at the site on November 7.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here