A top Irish singer believes he may have been the victim of a News of the World phone hacking sting by private investigators working on behalf of the paper.

Lawyers for the world famous celebrity have already written to News International seeking further information.

The singer, recently in the news over events in his personal life, has yet to tell his family of his fears.

According to the Sunday Independent, he believes he is one of 17 high profile celebrities targeted by the team of private investigators working on behalf of the English edition of the News of the World.

Actress Sienna Miller, footballer Wayne Rooney and his wife, and comedian Steve Coogan are amongst those the investigators have admitted to targeting.

According to sources, the Irish singer believes he was “targeted for specific reasons to obtain information about his personal life.”

The Sunday Independent also claims that the Irish star is attempting to keep his enquiry private.

“The star has not made their family aware of the matter,” the source told the Independent.

A leading Irish lawyer has sent a list of questions to investigators on the star’s behalf.

The lawyer is believed to be prepared to take legal action against the News of the World if his client is unhappy with the answers provided.