A Belfast mum has hailed her pet pooch a hero after making the terrifying discovery that a snake had slithered into her home.
Lynn Smith, who lives in the Glencairn area , was left petrified when Owenie the Labradoodle alerted the family to an unwanted guest.
On Friday, the mum-of-two was in her sitting room with her mum when the dog started barking.
"I thought it was my cousin at the door so I told him to calm down and got up," she said.
"He is a Labradoodle and he is a really lovely dog but he wouldn't calm down. I got to the door and there was a snake coming out from under the settee in the kitchen, half the snake was hanging out.
"As you can imagine it was a bit hectic after that."
Lynn raised the alarm but neighbours and family were not able to locate the snake that day and the mum said she couldn't sleep on Friday night.
Then on Saturday, it was hero pup Owenie who came to the rescue and raised the alarm when the snake appeared again.
"The dog started going daft so I thought it was back and took him for a walk up Cave Hill," she said.
"When I got back I put the lead on the chair and there was the snake in the corner, it was horrific.
"I called my cousin and she called the police and they said they would get someone round."
With the help of neighbours they managed to get the snake into a pillow case and it was taken away once the police arrived a few hours later.
"I hope it's safe now and at least I can sleep well tonight," said Lynn.
"Who would have thought, a snake in Glencairn."
Now the hunt is on to find the owner of the snake and police have issued an appeal.
An officer for PSNI North Belfast said: "A member of the public was shocked to find this snake in the hallway of her home earlier today.
"With the help of local residents, Police attended and removed the animal to a place of safety.
"We believe the snake may have escaped from its owner who will no doubt want it back. If you own this animal or know of the owner please make contact with Reptile Hunters at 162 North Street, Belfast."
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