News of the World launches internal hacking inquiry
A “comprehensive” investigation into Ian Edmondson, the News of the World’s suspended associate director, has been launched by News International.
Edmondson, who has been accused of commissioning the hacking of celebrity’s mobile phone voicemails, has had his computer impounded whilst investigators trawl his email records for signs of such illicit activity.
A demand has also been issued for the return of all his personal effects.
Colleagues at the paper are being interviewed over the next few weeks and Edmondson himself will be asked to comment on the affair.
Despite keeping a low profile Edmondson has agreed to meet the publicist Max Clifford in a bid to seek independent media advice.
Edmondson has been under a cloud of suspicion since it was revealed that the name “Ian” appeared repeatedly in notes compiled by the private investigator, Glenn Mulcaire, who carried out the hacks.
The affair marks the latest twist in the long running allegations surrounding Andy Coulson, the Conservatives director of communications, who was editor of the paper at the time of the affair.