X-Factor Sophie Habibis robbed in Tufnell Park

Earlier in the week, we noted that mobile phone theft in Islington has recently risen sharply, with a particular increase in pedestrians being mugged for their iPhones, notably by gangs of youths on bicycles. Now, X-Factor star Sophie Habibis has become a victim, allegedly having had her iPhone stolen around 7pm on Tuesday.

The incident took place in Tufnell Park Road near to the singer's home address. Reports say that she was 'pushed' by the thief who then made off with her phone.

An Islington Police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that at 6.53pm on December 13, a 20-year-old woman was walking along Tufnell Park Road when a suspect on a pedal cycle pushed her and snatched her iPhone. She did not sustain any injuries and investigations continue."

Sophie, 19, grew up in Archway and was mentored by Kelly Rowland in the recent X Factor series. Ousted from the series by fellow contestant Mischa B, she had only this weekend returned to the show to attend the finale and wrap party and wrote in her official biog that she 'never leaves the house without her phone and headphones'.