Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch 'calls police' after female fan stalks his home and leaves mysterious red ribbons

The woman has been issued a Police Information Notice over harassment

Sherlock returns on New Years' Day (Getty Images)

A woman has been issued a harassment notice after stalking Benedict Cumberbatch.

She is said to have made several uninvited visits to the actor's home, tying red ribbons to his car and to a window of his house, the Sunday Mirror reports.

Mr Cumberbatch called the Metropolitan Police and the woman was issued with a Police Information Notice over harassment. The notice bars the woman from attempting to make contact with Mr Cumberbatch.

The red ribbons are thought to be a reference to Arthur Conan Doyle's novel A Study In Scarlet, in which Dr John Watson uses red ribbon to tie Sherlock's case files together.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: "Benedict is used to people mobbing him wherever he goes and he's a good sport about it.

"But this individual has taken things to the next level and there was no option but to pursue official action.

"Turning up at professional events is one thing, but arriving uninvited at the family home is quite another."

Mr Cumberbatch lives with his wife Sophie Hunter and his baby son.

Sherlock producer Steven Moffat recently revealed the show's Christmas special will air on New Year's Day 2016.

Mr Cumberbatch's agent has been contacted for a statement.