Golders Green swamped by X Factor fans (From Times Series)

Golders Green swamped by X Factor fans

10:29am Friday 9th October 2009 in News By Rebecca Lowe

MAMMOTH crowds of screaming schoolchildren descended on Golders Green this week in the hope of catching a glimpse of their top pop idol.

No, not Robbie Williams or Madonna - but 12 X Factor finalists who are yet to record their first hit single.

A concerned resident even called out Barnet police to the West Heath Avenue residence last night after seeing hordes of fans attempting to clamber over a perimeter fence to catch a glimpse of the wannabe stars.

Girls screamed at the shuttered windows, while a group of teenaged boys tried to reach the intercom in the hope of getting an invitation inside.

Neighbour Jan Hoskins, 71, from West Heath Avenue, said she had enjoyed the attention from the fans.

"It's not every day you have crowds of children running and jumping down your street," she said.

"It's been quite fun, really. You don't see many new things at my age, so it's nice to be surprised with new experiences sometimes.

"I wanted to be a singer myself, once. I modelled myself on Elaine Paige. But I don't suppose young people nowadays would like that sort of thing so much anymore."

A spokesman for Barnet police said: "We can confirm officers attended a premises in West Heath Avenue at 6.29pm yesterday in response to an emergency call from a member of the public.

"Several people were trying to scale a fence. Officers dispersed the crowds, no offences were committed and no damage was done."

The 12 X Factor contestants are currently rehearsing in preparation for tomorrow night's final, when one contestant will be voted off.