News of the World suspends staff member over 'phone hacking'

London, Jan 6 (ANI): UK's News of the World has suspended a staff member over "serious allegations" of phone hacking.

A spokesman for the paper confirmed that Ian Edmonson, the newspaper's assistant editor (news), was suspended before Christmas.

"A serious allegation has been made about the conduct of a member of the News of the World staff," the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

"We have followed our internal procedures and we can confirm that this person was suspended from active duties just before Christmas.

"The allegation is the subject of litigation and our internal investigation will take place in tandem with that.

"If the conclusion of the investigation or the litigation is that the allegation is proven, appropriate action will be taken.

"The News of the World has a zero tolerance approach to any wrong-doing," he added.

The allegation is understood to have stemmed from fresh litigation brought about by actress Sienna Miller. (ANI)