Scotland Yard detectives have launched a fresh investigation into the phone hacking scandal after receiving "significant new information".
Police said the new material is linked to allegations about the activities of staff at the News of the World in 2005 and 2006.
A review by senior prosecutors of existing evidence and the latest claims will continue as planned.
Senior officers said the complex inquiry was being moved from the Met's counter terrorism command. It will now be led by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Sue Akers at the specialist crime directorate.
A Met spokesman said the move was necessary because of the counter terrorism workload and continuing "severe" level of threat.
He said: "The Met has today received significant new information relating to allegations of phone hacking at the News of the World in 2005/06. As a result, the Met is launching a new investigation to consider this material.
"This work will be carried out by the specialist crime directorate which has been investigating a related phone hacking allegation since September 2010. Discussions have taken place with the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the recently announced role of Alison Levitt QC.
"It has been agreed that her task will continue and she will evaluate any new evidence and advise as to the progress of the investigation. The original phone hacking investigation was undertaken by the counter terrorism command in specialist operations."
In response to reports that Ian Edmondson, the News of the World's assistant editor (news), has been sacked, a spokeswoman said: "The News of the World has terminated the employment of Ian Edmondson, Assistant Editor (News).
"Mr Edmondson was suspended in December 2010 following a serious allegation. Material evidence found during the course of the subsequent investigation has led to Mr Edmondson's dismissal. News International has informed the police, handed over the material it has found and will give its full co-operation going forward."
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