LONDON - British police investigating computer hacking and privacy offences by the media have arrested six people allegedly involved in intercepting voice mails for the defunct News of the World tabloid.

Authorities said Wednesday the six former journalists for the tabloid were arrested in a new line of inquiry to the ongoing investigation in Operation Weeting, which is one of three investigations into press wrongdoing.

Britain's power structure has been rattled by allegations that the now-closed News of the World hacked people's phones for stories. The allegations and scandal have touched off dozens of arrests. Police say the new suspected conspiracy is believed to have taken place primarily during 2005-2006.

The six are being interviewed at police stations in London and Cheshire. Searches are being carried out at a number of addresses.

© Copyright 2013