Ex-News of the World reporter James Desborough arrested over phone hacking

Former News of the World showbusiness reporter James Desborough has been arrested in the ongoing investigation into phone hacking at the newspaper.

The journalist was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to intercept communications, contrary to section 1 (1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977 after arriving at a south London police station by appointment at 10.30am today, The Guardian reports.

The newspaper adds that the allegations of hacking are believed to relate to events occurring before Desborough moved to Los Angeles in April 2009 to become the paper's US editor.

Desborough won the showbiz reporter prize at the 2009 British Press Awards, less than a month before he left the country.

Earlier this month, ex-News of the World managing editor Stuart Kuttner was released on bail following his arrest during the Operation Weeting investigations.

Other arrested parties have included ex-News of the World editor Greg Miskiw, ex-News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks and former Downing Street communications director Andy Coulson.

Earlier this week, House of Commons culture, media and sport committee chairman John Whittingdale said that it is "likely" News International chairman James Murdoch will be recalled to answer more questions from MPs about phone hacking at the News of the World.

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