Fresh Lockerbie probe welcomed

Oct 25 2009

Relatives of people killed in the Lockerbie bombing have welcomed news that there could be a fresh investigation into the atrocity.

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.

A total of 270 people were killed when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over the town of Lockerbie on December 21.

It is understood that the Crown Office in Scotland has contacted relatives via email informing them of the plans for a new investigation.

The Sunday Telegraph has reported that Lindsey Miller, a senior Procurator Fiscal who was involved in preparing evidence for Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi's trial, has written: "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.

"Now that the appeal proceedings are at an end a further review of the case is under way and several potential lines of inquiry, both through a 'desktop' (paper) exercise and consultation with forensic science colleagues are being considered.

"You will of course appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to elaborate on these lines but please be assured that this is not simply paying lip service to the idea of an 'open case'."

Pamela Dix, who lost her brother Peter in the 1988 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. Expectations around Megrahi's appeal were really quite high but hopes were profoundly dashed when the appeal was abandoned. The situation is unresolved and it is unfinished business."

Dr Jim Swire, who has long been a campaigner for a full inquiry into the bombing, 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."