Police warn Street 'stalker'

Worried: Street star Tracy Shaw with co-star Steven Arnold

Coronation Street stars have won protection from a man who is alleged to have been harassing them.

Kevin Sedgwick is said to have bombarded female cast members with letters as well as loitering outside the studios where the popular ITV soap is filmed.

Greater Manchester Police were called in after complaints from Tracy Shaw, who plays hairdresser Maxine, Jacqueline Pirie (Linda) and Jennifer James (new barmaid Geena).

Letters: Street star Jacqueline Pirie

Sedgwick was warned under the Protection from Harassment Act, known as the "stalking law".

It means he can be arrested if he is spotted standing outside Granada Television's studios in Manchester city centre.

Actress Shaw said Sedgwick "scares the life out of me and the other girls".

The 42-year-old from Wigan is said to have stood outside the studios daily, asking cast members for their autographs.

Infatuation

Some stars have reportedly returned from shopping to find him outside their homes. He is also alleged to have threatened to use violence.

Shaw, Pirie and James kept letters he is said to have written telling them of his infatuation, and have handed them over to police.

New star: Coronation Street actress Jennifer James

A Coronation Street spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that a number of female members of cast have made a complaint to the police of harassment.

"Granada Television takes the security of its staff very seriously and this is now in the hands of the police."

If Sedgwick is spotted outside the studios again he could be prosecuted, with the prospect of a fine or a prison sentence.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: "We have received allegations of harrassment from three women.

"Inquiries have been made and a 42-year-old man from Wigan has recieved a warning."