The home of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell was burgled on Sunday night, police have confirmed.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman told BBC News Online: "We are investigating a burglary in Notting Hill on 18 March." She declined to give any further details.

It has been reported that Ms Halliwell has moved into a hotel after the flat in Notting Hill, west London, was broken into and obscene messages scrawled on the walls.

The singer returned to her home on Sunday after a weekend away to find it had been ransacked and many of her personal belongings stolen, the Sun newspaper said.

It said milk and Ribena had been thrown around the flat and Miss Halliwell's personal computer had been taken, along with a necklace once owned by actress Elizabeth Taylor.

As a result of the break-in, the 28-year-old has reportedly moved into a hotel because she is afraid to be alone.

Police investigation

Ms Halliwell's spokesman, Jonathan Hackford, told the Express: "Police believe there is nothing sinister about the break-in. It is a simple burglary.

"It appears that the raiders didn't know who lived in the flat until they were inside.

"Naturally Geri is very upset, as anyone would be when they are burgled, but she's coping fine."

The flat is part of a Georgian townhouse which has a video camera security system.

A neighbour said: "This is the best policed area in London and it's very rare for people to be burgled."

Madonna targeted

Police will liaise with officers investigating recent burglaries at the homes of other celebrities to see if the same gang of thieves is involved.

In December Madonna's Notting Hill home was burgled while she, her husband Guy Ritchie and her two young children were asleep upstairs.

The keys to Mr Ritchie's Range Rover were among the items taken and the vehicle was stolen.

Jerry Hall's Richmond home was also broken into recently and a laptop and items of jewellery were taken.