New phone hacking probe launched

Scotland Yard detectives have launched a fresh investigation into the phone hacking scandal after receiving "significant new information".

Police said the new material is linked to allegations about the activities of staff at the News of the World in 2005 and 2006.

A review by senior prosecutors of existing evidence and the latest claims will continue as planned.

Senior officers said the complex inquiry was being moved from the Met's counter-terrorism command.

It will now be led by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Sue Akers at the specialist crime directorate.

A Met spokesman said the move was necessary because of the counter-terrorism workload and continuing "severe" level of threat.

He said: "The Met has received significant new information relating to allegations of phone hacking at the News of the World in 2005/06. As a result, the Met is launching a new investigation to consider this material.

"This work will be carried out by the specialist crime directorate which has been investigating a related phone hacking allegation since September 2010.

"Discussions have taken place with the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the recently announced role of Alison Levitt QC. It has been agreed that her task will continue and she will evaluate any new evidence and advise as to the progress of the investigation."