The death of Gen Augusto Pinochet sparked champagne-soaked celebrations, skirmishes with police and displays of lasting devotion as Chileans took an anguished look back at the dictator's 17-year rule.

FORMER British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was last night said to be “greatly saddened” by the death of General Augusto Pinochet, the one-time ruthless right-wing dictator of Chile.

Venezuela's vice president said tonight that General Augusto Pinochet's death means the former Chilean dictator has managed to escape justice for crimes committed during his rule.

Chile’s Supreme Court upheld the indictment and house arrest of General Augusto Pinochet for nine kidnappings and one murder during his dictatorship.

Chile’s Supreme Court has stripped former dictator Augusto Pinochet of his immunity from prosecution, reviving the hopes of his foes who want him to stand trial for atrocities under his 1973-1990 regime.