Police set to reopen News of the World phone hacking case

London, Jan 7 (ANI): It has emerged that an investigation into phone hacking at the News of the World is likely to open after the suspension of a senior journalist at the newspaper.

According to Whitehall sources, Scotland Yard and the Crown Prosecution Service have been monitoring recent developments and are expected to request an interview with Ian Edmondson, the suspended assistant editor.

It emerged recently that the newspaper suspended him shortly before Christmas amid allegations that he was involved in attempts to hack into mobile phones used by Sienna Miller, the actress, and people around her.

The News of the World has repeatedly said that the hacking of mobile phones was the act of a single rogue reporter without editorial approval, reports the Telegraph.

Ed Balls, the shadow home secretary, said the suspension of Edmondson has cast doubt on David Cameron's judgment.

"There has been discussion in recent months about whether an independent review is going to be needed but first of all, let's let the police do their work," he said.

"The fact is, the assistant editor to Andy Coulson has now been suspended. Increasingly it is getting closer and closer to the former editor of the News of the World, Mr Coulson, and it does raise a very substantial question about David Cameron's judgment. How can the head of media in No 10 be somebody who is under such suspicion that he was involved in illegal activity?"

A judicial review, brought by senior Labour figures, is expected to begin next month into the police's handling of the previous investigation into the News of the World scandal. (ANI)