Sunday Times journalist 'has links to NoW phone hacker'

A journalist with the Sunday Times's investigation team is allegedly at the centre of new enquiries into the use of phone hacking.

A note on a document seized by police indicates a reporter linked to the newspaper may have used the services of private investigator Glenn Mulcaire, jailed over the News of the World hacking scandal.

If proved, the discovery would be highly damaging to News International, facing civil cases from an estimated 45 people who claim their phones were accessed illegally. They include comedian Steve Coogan, actress Sienna Miller and footballer Paul Gascoigne.

Evening Standard understands that the allegations involving the Sunday Times have emerged from these cases. Lawyers pursuing damages are investigating the claims.

The Sunday Times runs its investigative journalism through the respected Insight team. It includes recent revelations about alleged corruption in the World Cup bidding process and the "cash for influence" affair involving Labour politicians.

News International has denied strongly that any of its titles other than the News of the World is under investigation. But John Prescott used parliamentary privilege in the House of Lords to claim: "The investigation into phone hacking has been extended to the Sunday Times." Tom Watson, Labour MP for West Bromwich East, told the Commons "evidence exists" that the paper was involved in such hacking.

News International today said both men's claims were unjustified.