Met launch 'robust' new phone hack probe

Detectives will leave "no stone unturned" in a fresh inquiry into phone hacking allegations, the head of Scotland Yard has vowed.

Acting Commissioner Tim Godwin defended the way his force has handled new claims linked to the News of the World at a meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority.

He said the new inquiry "will be very robust and it will be under scrutiny as it should be".

He added: "It will restore confidence in victims who feel they have not been given a service. It will be with no stone unturned. We have some of the most skilled investigators in the country and you will be proud of what they do."

The inquiry has been transferred to the Met's specialist crime directorate and will be led by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Sue Akers.

Mr Godwin said the Met is "not afraid" of being held to account over its decisions but detailed questions can only be answered after the criminal process has finished.

Mr Godwin said: "The reality we are confronted with today is we have a full-blown investigation under way and we do not want to do anything that will undermine the prospect of any prosecutions that may occur.

"We need to allow Sue Akers and her team to robustly pursue the evidence and lines of inquiry, which is what everyone expects us to do.

"At the end of this process, when we draw a line under the legal process, and there are a number of judicial matters, there are questions people will want to ask."