Woman Arrested for Break-in at Simon Cowell's House

Cowell described the scene as "just like something out of a horror movie" after intruder with a brick allegedly entered his home

Simon Cowell was said to be “shaken up” after a 29-year-old woman with a brick allegedly broke into the entertainment mogul's London home as he was watching TV.

Police said Leanne Zaloumis allegedly broke in at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, shortly after the airing of "Britain's Got Talent," where Cowell appears as a judge.

The "X Factor" creator was about to watch himself on ITV1's Jonathan Ross show when he heard a crashing noise, The Sun newspaper reported.

"Simon rushed upstairs to find out what was going on," Cowell spokesman Max Clifford told news outlets. "It came from the bathroom so he went in and there was a woman standing there holding a brick."

He said Cowell's security team detained the intruder until police arrived.

Clifford said Cowell "was shaken up" and had described the scene as "just like something out of a horror movie."

According to The Sun, Cowell's West London home is worth an estimated £9 million ($14.26 million) and boasts a hi-tech security system. Sources told the paper the suspect was an "over-zealous fan."

Zaloumis is due to appear in a London court Monday on a charge of aggravated burglary.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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