New allegations about the phone-hacking scandal have hit News International, with claims of more victims and fresh legal rows.
It has been revealed that former News of the World editor Andy Coulson is suing
News Group Newspapers, the publishing arm of the media giant. Papers were served at the High Court on Thursday "regarding the termination of the payment for his legal action".
A spokesman for law firm DLA Piper, which represents Mr Coulson, said: "We can confirm that proceedings have been issued."
News International declined to comment. It had been reported earlier this month
that News International was paying DLA Piper for their legal advice to Mr Coulson following his arrest.
Mr Coulson resigned from his position as British prime minister David Cameron's spin chief in January and was later arrested on suspicion of corruption and phone hacking. He is on police bail.
It also emerged last night that the family of Jade Goody fear the late celebrity could have had her phone hacked and are reportedly set to contact Scotland Yard. The police force said it would not comment on individual cases.
Publicist Max Clifford told The Guardian that Ms Goody's mother Jackiey Budden also believes she was targeted.
He said: "She will be going to the police. She believes her phone was hacked by the News of the World, and Jade's. Jade told me, 'I'm convinced my phone is being hacked'."
News International also declined to comment on the allegations.
In addition, it has been alleged last night that Neil Wallis, the former deputy editor of News of the World was paid more than £25,000 by News International while working at Scotland Yard as a police consultant.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said that Mr Wallis's contract with the police force included confidentiality, data protection and conflict of interest clauses, all of which would have prohibited him from selling on any information while employed by them.
He added: "Neil Wallis was not provided access to the Metropolitan Police Service's IT systems."
Phil Smith of Tuckers Solicitors, who represent Mr Wallis told the Daily Telegraph they had complained formally to the Met about leaking information about the case.
The Scotland Yard spokesman added: "On Friday, the Met received a letter of complaint from solicitors acting for Neil Wallis. This is being considered."
PA