A "Banksy" exhibition featuring a Union-jack stab-vest similar to that worn by local star Stormzy has appeared in Croydon overnight.

The series of works popped up in a formally derelict commercial unit beneath a PureGym on Surrey Street now named 'Gross Domestic Product', a number of which can be viewed in windows from the pavement.

Alongside the vest worn by Stormzy in his headline Glastonbury is a description which says: "A version of the 'John Bull' English gents waistcoat updated for modern times.

"This customised body armour is capable of stopping bullets up to .45 calibre and is fully stab proof.

"As worn by Stormzy at Glastonbury festival (because it's very dangerous there). Yet not machine washable [sic]. Signed. Edition of 5 plus 2 A/P."

Also on display is a series of rat-themed clocks and a baby's cot surrounded by CCTV cameras.

Small information signs in the piece direct viewers to the website grossdomesticproduct.com which just says hello gdp2 when visited.

Outside the former shop were security guards with red ties as well as some people who appeared to still be working on the piece inside and outside.

East Croydon Cool, a local entertainment guide, tweeted: "Excitement levels in Croydon this morning are next level!

"A Banksy installation has appeared at the end of Surrey Street under the PureGym.

"5 windows (and counting) of work from one of the most important artists of our time on display on our doorstep."

Croydon Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport came down to see the artwork he said: “I think it is great that Banksy has come to Croydon and decided to be part of Croydon’s street art.”

Amber Colman from South Norwood happened upon the mega artwork in the way to meet a friend in the town centre.

She said: “I think it is amazing and it is really fantastic for the area, a lot of people are going to flock here for it.

Amber added that the piece in Croydon reminds her of Dismaland, Banksy’s dystopian theme park in Weston-super-Mare created in 2015.

And Ben Szutz an apprentice at the Musuem of London rushed down to the town centre from his home in South Croydon when he heard about the piece of art.

The 24-year-old said: “I think it is absolutely awesome, I’ve been a Banksy fan since I was young.

“I think the front window is the one that hits home the most, we’ve got the figures of refugees. I think he’s trying to say that the world’s a bit s**t.

“I think it’s amazing for something like this to happen in Croydon.”

Banksy, whose works sell for millions, revealed earlier this year that Stormzy, who was born in Thornton Heath, wore the stab vest he created.