Relatives back new Lockerbie probe

Families of British victims have been advised that police are following several new lines of inquiry, including a review of forensic evidence into the 1988 bombing.

Dumfries and Galloway Police Chief Constable Patrick Shearer said officers were following new lines of inquiry after Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi 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.

Mr 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. Four detectives are thought to be working on the case full-time.

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