British Prime Minister David Cameron blasted media baron Rupert Murdoch's News International Wednesday as he launched a high-powered investigation into the press prompted by outrage at allegations of widespread illegal phone hacking and police bribery by the press.

The judge leading the inquiry will be able to summon witnesses including newspaper owners and make them testify in public, under oath, Cameron announced.

The aim is to "bring this ugly chapter to a close and ensure that nothing like it ever happens again," the prime minister said.