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Susan Boyle 'targeted by gang of up to 15 yobs'

Susan Boyle - Debra L. Rothenberg / Rex Features
Susan Boyle - Debra L. Rothenberg / Rex Features

Susan Boyle, the singer who shot to fame on Britain's Got Talent, has been subjected to a campaign of insults and intimidation, it emerged today.

A gang of up to 15 youths have targeted the 56-year-old in her hometown of Blackburn, West Lothian. In one incident the gang, mainly boys, set light to paper and threw it at her.

A spokesman for the 56-year-old singer, who  suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, told the Sunday Mirror they were planning to call in police to ensure her safety.

Scottish charity worker Susan Boyle appearing on Britain's Got Talent - Credit: HO/AFP/Getty Images
Scottish charity worker Susan Boyle appearing on Britain's Got Talent Credit: HO/AFP/Getty Images

A witness to some of the attacks said: “We were inside the bus and they were throwing stones, screaming and shouting things.

“Another time 10-15 of them were surrounding and throwing stuff. They lit a piece of paper and threw it at her face.

“Then I was going inside the Mill Centre, Susan was walking out and they were all standing at the entrance and they said to her ‘why don’t you get yourself a pair of glasses you ugly, old b****. It’s horrendous.”

Susan Boyle at home - Credit:  Tina Norris/REX/Shutterstock
Susan Boyle at home Credit: Tina Norris/REX/Shutterstock

Boyle, who found international fame after impressing talent show judges with her performance of I Dreamed a Dream, lives in the three-bedroom former council house which she grew up in.

She bought it soon after finishing second on BGT in 2009.

Asperger's is a form of autism which typically means people with the condition struggle with their emotions and have difficulty in social situations, often unable to pick up on non-verbal cues.

Boyle said in a 2014 interview: "It's a very difficult subject to talk about because you always feel that eyes are on you, and people view you as different.

"I like to see myself as someone with a problem, but one I can solve. It is definitely getting better. "