Search for Lockerbie accomplices to continue

By Lisette Johnston

Monday, October 26, 2009

THE chief constable of the police force investigating the Lockerbie atrocity said yesterday they would continue to search for the convicted bomber’s accomplices.

Dumfries and Galloway Police Chief Constable Patrick Shearer said officers are following new lines of inquiry after Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi’s dropped his appeal against conviction.

The former Libyan intelligence officer was found guilty of murdering 270 people when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over the town of Lockerbie in December 1988. Suffering from terminal cancer, he was freed in August on compassionate grounds.

Shearer said: "The case remains open and Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary continue to work closely with Crown Office.

"Throughout the investigation we have, at various times, conducted reviews of the evidence as a whole in an attempt to identify further lines of inquiry that may be explored.

"Now that Mr Megrahi has decided to abandon his appeal against conviction a further review of the case is under way in respect of others who acted with him in the murder of 270 people.

"Reports of the police investigation being re-launched are inaccurate. The work that is being undertaken is the latest in a series of reviews which have formed part of an investigative strategy in keeping with our determination to pursue every possible lead.

"We also take cognisance of the trial court’s acceptance of Crown’s position that Mr Megrahi acted in furtherance of the Libyan Intelligence Service and did not act alone."

It is understood Det Ch Insp Michael Dalgleish, who was part of the original team that brought the case against Megrahi, is heading the investigation which includes a review of forensic evidence.

The Crown Office has emailed British relatives informing them that investigations are continuing.

Lindsey Miller, a senior procurator fiscal who was involved in preparing evidence for Megrahi’s trial, wrote: "Throughout the investigation we have, at various times, taken stock of the evidence as a whole with a view to identifying further lines of inquiry that can be pursued."

Pamela Dix, who lost her brother Peter in the bombing, said: "As far as we understand it there are avenues which are being pursued, and I think that should be interpreted as a good thing.

"The situation is unresolved and it is unfinished business."

Dr Jim Swire, who lost daughter Flora, said: "I think that if they are really going to a meaningful investigation then that is all well and good and long overdue. I would be all for it.

"But if it is just a dodge to prevent an investigation into why the lives of those killed were not protected then I would be livid."

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Monday, October 26, 2009