Dirt separator and vacuum cleaner

A dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner comprises a first separation stage 20 having a first dirt collection chamber 28 for storing dirt removed by the first separation stage 20, a second separation stage 22 positioned downstream of the first separation stage 20, the second separation stage 22 having a second dirt collection chamber 30 for storing dirt removed by the second separation stage 22 and a selectively-releasable latch mechanism (86, fig 10). At least part of the latch mechanism (86, fig 10) is provided on an outer surface of a sidewall of the second dirt collection chamber 30. A lid 32 may be provided to selectively block and unblock an emptying aperture in the first dirt collection chamber 28. The first and second dirt collection chambers 28, 30 are preferably movable relative to one another between first and second positions.