British phone-hacking whistleblower found dead in London

Sean Hoare, 47-year-old, was found dead early Monday at his flat in Watford, north of London, according to a police statement.

The death was currently being treated as unexplained, but was not thought to be suspicious, said the statement.

Police investigation over the former journalist's death are underway.

Hoare, a former show business reporter at the News International paper, part of News Corp, had alleged that he was asked by former editor Andy Coulson to tap into phones. Coulson had denied being aware of any wrongdoing at the paper.

Hoare had long-term drink and drug problems, reports said.

In another development of the hacking case, Britain's Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner (AC) John Yates resigned on Monday under mounting pressure over his handling of the phone-hacking scandal.