In the wake of yet more revelations about News of the World phone-hacking targets, private investigator - Glenn Mulcaire - has declared that he did not act alone.

In the wake of yet more revelations about News of the World phone-hacking targets, private investigator - Glenn Mulcaire - has declared that he did not act alone.

His solicitors issued a statement which said: “Glenn Mulcaire has already expressed his sincere regret to those who have been hurt and affected by his activities and he repeats that apology most sincerely.

"He was effectively employed by News of the World from 2002 to carry out his role as a private investigator.

“As he accepted when he pleaded guilty in 2007 to charges of phone interception, he admits that his role did include phone hacking. As an employee he acted on the instructions of others.

"There were also occasions when he understood his instructions were from those who genuinely wished to assist in solving crimes.

“Any suggestion that he acted in such matters unilaterally is untrue. In the light of the ongoing police investigation, he cannot say any more."

Meanwhile, a police officer involved in the investigation into the murder of schoolgirl Sarah Payne has said he believes his phone may have been hacked by the News of the World.

Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Lewis, who was second-in-command of the Sussex Police investigation into the 2000 killing, said he had now reported his concerns to Scotland Yard's Operation Weeting inquiry.