[Kerry]

News of the World editor Colin Myler has sent out an e-mail to all staff of the newspaper following the ongoing accusations of phone hacking.

The tabloid is alleged to have hacked into the phone of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, as well as families of people who died in the 7/7 London bombings among others.

In a message sent out to employees, Myler said that he was "appalled" to hear about claims that private investigator Glenn Mulcaire accessed Dowler's voicemail on behalf of the paper, adding that he is in the process of uncovering the truth behind the allegations.

"I know you will be as appalled as I am by claims that a private investigator working for the News of the World intercepted the voicemails of Milly Dowler, victims of the 7/7 atrocity and others," Myler wrote.

"We are urgently trying to establish the truth of these allegations which, if proved, would amount to the most unimaginable breach of journalistic ethics.

"Understandably, there is a great deal of anger directed towards this newspaper as a result of what happened in some cases as far back as nine years ago."

Myler went on to warn staff that the near future could be "extremely painful", and praised the paper's "honest journalism" outside of the scandal.

"Inevitably, there is an extremely painful period ahead while we get to the bottom of these issues and atone for the wrongdoing that took place in the past," he added.

"But please be aware that I am extremely proud of your loyalty and commitment, the work we have done, and continue to do, to ensure that nothing like this should happen again. I am also proud of the great, honest, journalism that continues to win awards and make a positive difference to people's lives.

"We are the paper that campaigned to enshrine the Military Covenant in law, fought for ten years to establish Sarah's Law into legislation, the paper of Children's Champions, the paper that has fought tirelessly against bullying and so much more."

Myler concluded the e-mail by stating that he aims to restore the reputation of the newspaper once the full facts of the investigation have been revealed.

"As Rebekah [Brooks] said in her statement yesterday, News International will pursue the facts with vigour and integrity," he declared.

"Please be assured that, as editor, I will do everything in my power to restore the News of the World's reputation for fair, accurate and, most importantly, responsible journalism."

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised a public inquiry into the "absolutely disgusting" allegations of phone hacking at the News of the World.

DS



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