Police think the blast was caused by a small incendiary device or possibly a firework and have stressed they are not treating it as terrorist related.

Officers were called to Stanhope Gardens, Lingfield at about 2130 BST by the car's owner, who heard a bang and found the bonnet damaged.

Roads around the area were closed while police carried out searches but they said there was no danger to the public.

'No clear motive'

The damaged car, a Vauxhall Cavalier, was parked on the driveway outside the owner's house.

Firefighters were also called out and found parts of the device which are being sent for forensic analysis.

Det Insp Mark Preston-Heard of Surrey Police said: "At this stage we have no clear idea of motive for this incident, and we are appealing for anyone who has any information to come forward.

"We have also been told there was a loud bang in the same kind of area at some point on Friday evening.

"Local people thought it was some kind of firework and it was not reported to police."