A first-time mother has broken her silence after experiencing every parent's worst nightmare - waking to find a complete stranger standing in her bedroom while she slept beside her newborn baby.
Emily, 28, was enjoying what should have been a peaceful night's rest with her six-week-old daughter when the terrifying incident unfolded in her Nottingham home. The new mum had fallen asleep after a late-night feed, completely unaware that her family's safety was about to be violated.
The Moment of Terror
"I opened my eyes and there was a man just standing there, staring at us," Emily recalled, the fear still evident in her voice. "My heart literally stopped. For a second I thought I was dreaming, but then I realised this was really happening."
The intruder had somehow gained entry to the property while the young family slept, moving through the house until he reached the master bedroom where mother and child lay vulnerable.
"He was just inches from my baby," Emily shuddered. "I screamed and he ran. I've never felt fear like it."
Aftermath and Recovery
Police were called immediately and conducted a full investigation of the property. While nothing was taken during the break-in, the psychological impact on the young family has been profound.
Emily admits she now struggles with anxiety and sleep disturbances, constantly checking locks and jumping at every noise. "The violation stays with you," she explained. "Your home should be your safe space, especially when you have a new baby."
Security Advice for Families
Following her traumatic experience, Emily is urging other families to review their home security measures:
- Install additional locks on windows and doors
- Consider motion-activated security lights
- Use burglar alarms even when at home
- Keep ground-floor windows locked at night
- Never assume you're safe because you're inside
"You never think it will happen to you until it does," Emily warned. "That false sense of security can be dangerous."
The investigation continues as police work to identify the intruder, while Emily focuses on healing and protecting her growing family from further harm.
