Break-in nothing to worry about, says Boyle

But the international star is reportedly convinced that it was the same person who broke into her house during the Christmas period.

The singer disturbed the intruder who was in her home when she returned to Scotland from London late on Tuesday night.

As she opened her front door at about 10pm a youth fled from the house.

As she returned to Blackburn yesterday she smiled, waved and gave the thumbs up to wellwishers.

"Everything is absolutely fine. It is concerning for everyone but it is really nothing to worry about. It is all under control. The police have been really good about it. Very excellent," she said.

However, she is said to have confided in a close friend that she is "terrified" something bad could happen and that "the whole experience is just too much to take in."

Police said a 16-year-old boy was questioned in connection with the break-in but was released without charge.

The suspect is white, slim, 15 or 16 years old and between 5ft 4in and 5ft 8in. He was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.