This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-16074787

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Phone-hacking police probe NoW medical records claim Phone-hacking police probe NoW medical records claim
(about 1 hour later)
Police are investigating whether details from the medical records of a well-known celebrity were illegally obtained by the News of the World. Police are investigating whether details from the medical records of a prominent celebrity were illegally obtained by the News of the World.
The probe is being carried out by the same Met Police unit looking at the hacking of mobile phone voicemails by reporters from the now-defunct tabloid.The probe is being carried out by the same Met Police unit looking at the hacking of mobile phone voicemails by reporters from the now-defunct tabloid.
The BBC has learned the celebrity contacted police after the paper allegedly obtained a doctor's report. The BBC has learned the celebrity contacted police after hearing claims the paper obtained a doctor's report.
News International says it is co-operating with the new inquiry. News International says it is co-operating with the investigation.
The new investigation was triggered by claims made on a BBC Radio 4 programme in February. The BBC's Jon Manel understands that the new inquiry was triggered by allegations made on a BBC Radio 4 programme in February.
Three former tabloid journalists then told the BBC that medical details about famous individuals were obtained for the various papers they worked on. Three former tabloid journalists told the programme that medical details about famous individuals were obtained for the papers they worked on. The police investigation is believed to be focusing on the case of one of these well-known people.
A Scotland Yard spokesman told BBC Radio 4's PM Programme that it was not known if any criminal offences had been committed using the information. A Scotland Yard spokesman told BBC Radio 4's PM Programme that it does not yet know if any criminal offences had been committed in relation to the material.
It comes after actor Hugh Grant claimed at the inquiry into press ethics that several tabloids published details of his medical records.It comes after actor Hugh Grant claimed at the inquiry into press ethics that several tabloids published details of his medical records.
'Prognosis details''Prognosis details'
The allegations relate to claims made to the BBC's Jon Manel during an investigation he carried out for documentary programme, News from nowhere - how the papers got their stories, earlier this year. It is understood that the allegations being investigated by the police relate to claims made during an investigation for the documentary, News from nowhere - how the papers got their stories.
The former tabloid reporters said that the newspapers they worked on obtained medical details about celebrities. Unnamed former tabloid reporters said the newspapers they worked on obtained medical details about celebrities.
One described how health information about a football manager was read to him by a colleague over the phone.One described how health information about a football manager was read to him by a colleague over the phone.
The second made allegations relating to a former soap star.The second made allegations relating to a former soap star.
The third claimed to have seen information about a well known celebrity's health, which had been placed by a colleague on his desk. The third claimed to have seen information about a well known celebrity's health, which had been placed by a colleague on a desk.
The celebrity whose complaint triggered the police inquiry does not want to be identified.The celebrity whose complaint triggered the police inquiry does not want to be identified.
'Worse than hacking''Worse than hacking'
As yet there is no indication about how the medical information at the centre of the police investigation was obtained.As yet there is no indication about how the medical information at the centre of the police investigation was obtained.
However, our correspondent says it is understood that the police have not ruled out broadening their inquiry beyond this individual case. It is also possible that it might yet be passed onto the Information Commissioner to examine.However, our correspondent says it is understood that the police have not ruled out broadening their inquiry beyond this individual case. It is also possible that it might yet be passed onto the Information Commissioner to examine.
One celebrity contacted by the BBC has said that medical records being obtained represented a level of intrusion which was even worse than phone hacking.One celebrity contacted by the BBC has said that medical records being obtained represented a level of intrusion which was even worse than phone hacking.
The Leveson Inquiry into press ethics began last month following the phone-hacking scandal that engulfed the News of the World, eventually forcing its closure.The Leveson Inquiry into press ethics began last month following the phone-hacking scandal that engulfed the News of the World, eventually forcing its closure.
Operation Weeting is now investigating claims of more widespread phone hacking.Operation Weeting is now investigating claims of more widespread phone hacking.
Meanwhile, claims of computer hacking are being investigated by Operation Tuleta and Operation Elveden is investigating allegations of payments made to police by journalists in exchange for information.Meanwhile, claims of computer hacking are being investigated by Operation Tuleta and Operation Elveden is investigating allegations of payments made to police by journalists in exchange for information.