Women inspired by Angelina Jolie are demanding breast removal surgery – even if they don’t need it – a leading doctor has warned.

After Miss Jolie, 38, who is in a high-risk cancer category, announced this year she had had a double mastectomy, a surge of women in the UK have sought to follow suit.

A quarter of women who develop cancer in one breast are now asking for both to be removed, according to figures from the London Breast Institute.

But Professor Kefah Mokbel of the London Breast Institute has said surgery would be pointless for women who are not in the same category as Jolie.

Professor Mokbel warned patients can suffer psychological harm after having radical surgery.