ICE bandits have stolen 20 vehicles in Greater Manchester in just two days.

The vehicles, including one in Bolton and another in Bury, were stolen when the drivers left them unattended with the keys in the ignition and engines running while defrosting them.

With temperatures expected to continue to plunge over the next few days, police are urging motorists to stay with their vehicle while de-icing them on frosty mornings.

A wide variety of vehicles have been stolen including a Toyota Corolla, BMW, Mercedes, Ford Mondeo, Citroen C3 and a Ford transit van.

Chief Inspector Haydn Roberts of Greater Manchester Police's Traffic Network Section said: "People can be tempted to leave their car engine running on a frosty morning while they keep nice and warm inside their house.

"However, it only takes a few seconds for a thief to steal a car when the keys have been left in the ignition.

"It is not only high-powered vehicles that are targeted and so our advice to all drivers is to stay in their vehicle when defrosting and if at any time they need to leave the car, to make sure they lock it, remove any valuables and take the keys with them.

"Motorists should also remember that insurance companies may not pay out if vehicles are stolen after being left unattended with the keys in the ignition."