Police guard soap star

Westbrook has been threatened after her car was stolen

Former EastEnders star Daniella Westbook is being guarded by police after thieves stole her car and demanded £5,000 for its return.

Westbrook told police that her husband Kevin Jenkins found their £45,000 BMW X5 was missing from the driveway of their Kent home.

The thieves then allegedly used Jenkins mobile phone - which had been in he car - and threatened "to burn the house down" unless they were paid.

"This is just a horrible reminder of the price you pay for being in the public eye," Westbrook told the Daily Mail.

A Kent Police spokesman says an officer is now guarding their house. CCTV cameras have also been installed.

Investigation

"I can confirm that a car was stolen from the driveway of the home on Saturday and that a ransom for £5,000 was made," the spokesman said.

"They have increased security at the house and there has been a police presence there throughout the police investigation, which is continuing."

Westbrook, who left her role as Sam Mitchell in EastEnders after highly-publicised drug problems, recently announced she was joining the cast of ITV soap Crossroads.

She has also recently had an operation on her septum, which was destroyed after years of cocaine abuse.

Earlier this year, she said she had tried to kill herself because of depression.