The growth of virtual reality pornography could allow spurned exes to create sex avatars of former lovers and carry out depraved and violent acts with them, experts have warned.

Researchers at Newcastle University have been studying the rise of VR porn, which will allow users to step into the heart of the action using headsets such as Oculus Rift, or Playstation VR.

But they warned that the headsets allowed people to experience extreme, degrading or even abusive imagery in an alarmingly 'real' way, and could challenge laws of consent.

The team said that the together with the availability of 3D imaging tools and the rise in DIY porn, models based on real people could become the future form of revenge porn.

They have called on manufactures to set guidelines on what can be viewed through their technology.