Stalker fears for Giggs

The telephone line at Ryan Giggs' home was cut

Welsh soccer star Ryan Giggs played against Poland on Wednesday night fearing for the safety of his girlfriend after a stalker was seen at their home.

Police have confirmed that 26-year-old Giggs called them in after the telephone line at his home was cut and a stalker was spotted lurking in the grounds.

Giggs' girlfriend Emma Gardner, also 26, stayed at home while the Manchester United star was playing for Wales in Warsaw.

Giggs was alarmed after receiving an empty package addressed to Mr Williams at the £750,000 home in Blackrod, Lancashire.

Then a mystery man - calling himself Mr A Williams - rang BT claiming he had bought the house from Giggs and wanted a new phone number.

'Suspicious incidents'

Giggs finally called in police after a shadowy figure was recorded prowling in the grounds of his high-security home by CCTV cameras.

Giggs - who grew up in Cardiff and still has family in the city - spoke to CID officers about the stalker.

Police are taking the matter seriously.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed the force was investigating the incidents.

She said: "During the last few weeks we have received reports of suspicious incidents at an address in Blackrod. The owner of the property is a man in his 20s.

"We don't know if one or more people are responsible but we are investigating and are liaising with BT."