Worried parents are warning people to be on their guard after a six-year-old boy was bitten by an adder.

Kazim Salih was playing outside in McDonald Avenue, Westcliff, when he was attacked by the snake, which could be up to 4ft long.

Kazim's mum, Michaela Baker, said: "My boy was playing in the garden.

"He slid down the slide with his hands over the side of it. As he reached the bottom he just screamed in pain.

"I ran out, gathered him up, and took him inside. Then I noticed two purple puncture marks.

"My husband thought it was a snake bite so we took Kazim straight to Southend Hospital where he was given an antidote.

She added: "It is a worry knowing it is still out there somewhere."

Snake expert Tim Stout said the warm weather brings snakes such as adders out to bask in the sunshine.

He said: "Shedding their skin is stressful and can make them more aggressive and at this time of year many of them are also pregnant.

"They only strike when they feel threatened."

Recovering - Kazim and mum Michaela

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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