THE HEAVILY pregnant girlfriend of Celtic star Anthony Stokes was left upset by vandals who smashed a window during an attack on the couple’s home.
Stokes was away preparing for his side’s SPL away match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle when the crime took place at 2.30am on Saturday.
His partner Debbie, believed to be seven or eight months pregnant, is understood to have been asleep in the house on her own at the time.
The couple left the £400,000 five-bedroom property in Broxburn, West Lothian, to spend the following night in Glasgow.
Just hours after the incident, Stokes scored two goals for Celtic against Inverness.
A neighbour said the player, who has been targeted before, is considering moving away from the town centre property.
Police investigated after a gang of around 15 youths laid siege to the house as his parent’s cowered inside after an Old Firm clash in October last year.
Residents today condemned the attack and called for the couple to be left in peace.
Neighbour Jim Armstrong, 51, said he spoke to Debbie on Saturday afternoon when he boarded up the bottom floor window of the two storey house. “She’s seven or eight months pregnant. If she was in when it happened she must have herself a bit of a fright,” he said.
“I think she was a wee bit upset. I know Anthony phoned her to go to Glasgow after it. They had a night out there, but whether it was planned I don’t know.
“Whoever did it obviously targeted the house, because my van was sitting there and they haven’t touched it. I think it’s a Rangers Celtic thing. It’s a piece of nonsense. He signs tops for the kids around here and things like that. It’s a shame because I think they want to move now. They are fantastic neighbours.”
One resident, who did not wish to be named said: “I’m a Rangers supporter, but I think it’s bang out of order.”
Broxburn Councillor Ellen Glass added: “I think he should be left to live his life wherever he wants in peace. I think it’s a disgrace. We should be privileged to have someone like him living here. I believe he has been very supportive of the community and especially the youngsters.”
Stokes was also away when a gang shouted death threats and sang sectarian songs outside the property last year.
But his parents John and Joan were trapped inside as a group of around 15 youths gathered outside.
A wheelie bin was thrown against the living room window of the house in the town’s West Main Street.
Police want to speak to anyone who witnessed the latest incident. A spokesman said: “Lothian and Borders Police are investigating after the window of a property in Broxburn, West Lothian, was damaged.
“No one was injured during the incident, which happened around 2.30am on Saturday. However, anyone with information that can assist officers with their enquiries is asked to come forward.”
