LONDON: Investigations into phone hacking and bribery at Rupert Murdoch's British tabloids and other newspapers in Britain may last for at least another three years, the officer in charge of the inquiries said.

Sue Akers, a deputy assistant commissioner with London's Metropolitan Police, told Parliament yesterday that the combined costs of the investigations could reach £40 million ($63.5 million).

Fallout ... investigations into Rupert Murdoch's British newspapers may last for at least three years. Credit:Reuters

''I'm not sure this operation can be compared with any other investigation I've ever been involved in,'' Ms Akers said in her final appearance in front of the home affairs committee before she retires next month.

''Winding down is not how I would describe it. We are now prioritising on case building and getting our cases through the courts.''