Five people including former spin doctor Andy Coulson and former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks are facing charges linked to alleged bribery of public officials.

News International’s former legal adviser Tom Crone “categorically denies” any criminal offence, his solicitor said today, after the 60-year-old was arrested and bailed by police investigating phone hacking.

The former News of the World crime editor has been arrested in England on suspicion of paying police officers.

Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson was released from police custody tonight after being arrested over allegations of phone hacking and payments to officers.