part of the front door key stuck in the traditional nightlatch

diveunderthebonnet

I used to use o-ring picks when we sold/repaired/serviced Ford tractors ,used to take a few minutes but the customer was always happy to pay for a new key plus labour rather than a new ignition switch plus labour.

ThisIsWeird

Another possibility - something like an opened paperclip, end bent sharply at right angles, the end bit being almost as long as the broken key end.
The smallest amount of glue on this, and inserted in against the key end. Wait...
A gel-type super glue could be best, but epoxy should work provided it can be left in contact, undisturbed.
First, use the remaining key to ensure the slot is in the vertical open position.

Vortigern

I'm no locksmith, but I think that if you remove the key barrel from the cylinder, all the pins and springs will fall out and it will be impossible to re-assemble. I could be wrong.

FreeBear

Vortigern said:

I'm no locksmith, but I think that if you remove the key barrel from the cylinder, all the pins and springs will fall out and it will be impossible to re-assemble. I could be wrong.

No need to. Below, an image of a spare lock I have kicking around.

The vertical slot goes all the way through, and if you real carefully, you might just see the end of the key. With a small screwdriver, it is possible to push the key out.

cisko65

Hi again, I thought I wrote to thank you all but I cannot find my post.
My neighbour called a locksmith and they installed the whole latch and key lock (for a fortune). I was wondering why the key hole is horizontal rather than common vertical: Astra do them horizontal. Don't ask me why...
Thanks so much for your suggestions everybody!