On Friday evening the Guardian reported that Scotland Yard had uncovered new material following fresh allegations of phone-hacking at the News of the World and had sent “a file of evidence” to prosecuters to decide if there is case.

The controversy presents a danger to David Cameron’s communications director, Andy Coulson, who was editor of the News of the World when a reporter and private investigator were convicted and jailed for hacking voice messages involving Princes William and Harry.

The Guardian continues to say a number of journalists have come forward to say the practice “was more widespread than the tabloid has admitted” and that they were known about by the former editor. Coulson has always denied these claims.