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A driver woke up to find the bonnet, grille and front lights missing from his car, in the latest example of a phenomenon known as "Corsa Cannibalism".

Thieves smashed the Vauxhall's front passenger window in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, leaned in to release the bonnet, then unscrewed and removed the car's front bodywork.

Mechanics say it can be done in as little as 10 minutes.

It was the second such crime in Chester-le-Street in a week, and police say it has "never been seen in the area before".

The silver Corsa's 45-year-old owner was asleep when the thieves struck overnight between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

He said: "It was so brazen. I could not believe my eyes when I saw it. My neighbour saw it first and she rang me to tell me the front of my car was missing.

"I am furious that someone has just taken what is not theirs and caused me a great deal of hassle."

The craze is believed to started in Bedfordshire back in 2013, when parts were removed from more than 500 Corsas.

Vauxhall said there were "no security or design issues" with the Corsa, describing what happened as "wanton vandalism".

A spokesman added that because the Corsa is a popular model and there are lots of them on the roads, demand for parts is high.

"If a thief is determined enough they can steal parts from any make of car," he said.

Acting Inspector Mel Sutherland of the Chester-le-Street Neighbourhood Team advised people to "check and check again that their vehicle is locked and secure".

He added: "However, given that this type of crime is very specific and unusual I would also encourage people to be extra vigilant and to consider where they are parking their cars."

Owners are advised to park close to a wall, or within reach of a security light or CCTV.