An X Factor fan is believed to have scaled the security fencing around the contestants' London home – to throw a cat through one of the windows in the middle of the night.

According to the Sun, the ITV show's bosses are now investigating the security breach.

Sophia Wardman, of group Belle Amie, was the recipient of the strange present, with the black creature landing in her lap.

A note attached to its collar simply said: "Good luck X Factor contestants," the newspaper said.

Sophia said: "I was asleep and felt something land on me - it was a cat. I screamed. We wanted to keep it, but pets aren't allowed."

In September, concerns were raised that the height of the Mill Hill house's security fencing – just two foot tall – would not be enough to stop crazed fans descending on the property to catch a glimpse of their popstar heroes.ADNFCR-3337-ID-800211566-ADNFCR