A shocked couple awoke to discover that their Christmas tree, complete with fairy lights, had been stolen from outside their house.

A resident, from Arundel Avenue, East Ewell, said the wire connected to the lights had been cut and the tree stolen on Monday night.

When his wife got up in the morning she discovered that the tree was gone from its spot outside the front door. All that was left was the pot.

He said: "My wife shouted out ‘they’ve nicked the Christmas tree’.

"I have had neighbours ringing saying ‘where’s the Christmas tree gone’.

"Nothing surprises us round here anymore, but my wife was pretty gutted. It’s one of those things."

He contacted the Epsom Guardian to warn his neighbours and tell them to be careful. He said his wife has reported the theft to the police.