Animal experts were yesterday hunting for a 10ft python that has spent the past two years living in a sports field where children play football.

Staff at Otham Sports Club, near Maidstone, Kent, claim they have seen the snake numerous times before, but only became concerned after it apparently attacked a dog this week.

Janice McNaughton, who owns the club, said she had initially been scared when she spotted the reptile coiled up on the grass, but quickly grew used to it.

''He's been here for two years and caused no trouble. I called him Monty. He's at least 10ft long. If you can imagine a rolled-up piece of carpet, then that's what he looks like.''

Mrs McNaughton, who lives in nearby Larkfield, said she thought the snake might be an abandoned pet, and reptile experts had told her it was probably a Burmese python.

She had not been concerned about the safety of children on the sports pitch because it was a ''very large field'' of around 17 acres. ''The snake would not expose itself. They're very nervous,'' she added.

However, she finally called Maidstone Borough Council this week after her 16-year-old collie, Mona, was attacked.

Mona vanished under the sports pavilion and emerged with what appeared to be a bite-mark to her eye.

''She had to have her eye removed by the vet,'' Mrs McNaughton said.

Exotic pet experts and environmental health officers scoured the area yesterday, but found no sign of the snake.