Burley 'collapsed after visit from George'

Police have stepped up security around TV presenter Kay Burley after it emerged that the man cleared of murdering Jill Dando has formed a fascination with her, reports say.

The TV presenter contacted Scotland Yard on Wednesday after collapsing on her Sky News programme Afternoon Live With Kay Burley.

The Daily Mail reports that Burley, 47, is in emotional turmoil through fears that Barry George is stalking her.

George, 48, apparently returned to Burley's work to get a copy of the presenter interviewing him following his acquittal for Dando's murder in August, having reportedly already downloaded pictures of the former Dancing On Ice contestant onto his laptop at the East London hostel where he lives.

A friend said: "He's constantly talking about Kay. Ever since she interviewed him he has been obsessed with her."

Police sources said the matter was being treated "very seriously" and it is understood a special group of officers has been set up to assess the threat. Self-confessed stalker George has always denied responsibility for Dando's murder in 1999, alleging he was following another woman at the time.

Scotland Yard said: "We can confirm we have received an allegation from a woman."