Ex-News of the World journalist ‘found dead’
By politics.co.uk staff
A former News of the World reporter has been found dead, according to a report.
The body of ex-showbiz journalist Sean Hoare, the first journalist who alleged that ex-No 10 spin doctor Andy Coulson was aware of phone-hacking, was found dead in his flat this morning, the Guardian reported.
His death is not thought to be suspicious. But Mr Hoare's whistleblowing status could intensify public anger at the phone-hacking scandal already called a "firestorm" by David Cameron.
Hertfordshire police were called to a flat in Watford "following the concerns for the welfare of a man who lived at an address" on Langley Road in Watford, the force said in a statement.
"Upon police and ambulance arrival at a property, the body of a man was found. The man was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.
"The death is currently being treated as unexplained, but not thought to be suspicious. Police investigations into this incident are ongoing."
Mr Hoare was showbiz editor during Mr Coulson's time as editor of the News of the World.
He was the first of Mr Coulson's former colleagues to go on the record alleging that Mr Coulson knew about phone-hacking. At the time Downing Street dismissed his claims as being motivated by personal bitterness.
