Wayne Rooney among 46 new claimants suing Murdoch's NI over phone hacking allegations

London, Apr 21 (ANI): Football star Wayne Rooney is the latest celebrity to sue media tycoon Rupert Murdoch's News International over allegations of phone hacking.

Emma Noble, the former daughter-in-law of ex-UK prime minister Sir John Major, is also among the new group of 46 people suing the firm over allegations of privacy invasion by the now-defunct tabloid News of the World.

Others seeking damages include former UK prime minster Tony Blair's wife Cherie Blair. former rugby player Matt Dawson, David Beckham's father Ted, singer James Blunt, and former royal butler Paul Burrell, The Telegraph reports.

At a case management hearing at the UK High Court, Justice Vos, who is presiding over the hacking litigation cases, was told it was thought there were 4,791 potential victims, 1,892 of whom have been contacted by the police.

According to the paper, detectives believe that 1,174 of those are "likely victims" of phone hacking by reporters or private investigators working for the News of the World.

Most of the cases are expected to go to trial in February next year unless they are settled before that date. (ANI)