Connery may star in film on Lockerbie disaster

Sean Connery is considering making a film based on the Lockerbie disaster with himself in the role of the Scottish police chief in charge of the investigation, it emerged yesterday.

Dr Jim Swire, spokesman for the relatives of victims of the disaster, confirmed that script-writers had contacted him, and his wife Jane, and had approached people in Lockerbie.

"It shows they have a responsible attitude," said Dr Swire, whose 24- year-old daughter, Flora, died in the explosion. "Although it is classed as a drama documentary, I think it may have a helping hand to play in sorting out the enigmas surrounding Lockerbie."

Connery, 66, was said yesterday to have channelled his idea for the film through his American-based production company, Fountainbridge Films, which is named after the district of Edinburgh where he was born.

The company said the Lockerbie idea was being considered but added it was "way too early to say" if a film would be made.

Connery is considering playing the role of John Orr, the main Lockerbie detective at the time of the investigation, who has since been appointed Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police. Dr Swire said: "Basically we feel they are doing it responsibly. I am delighted Sean Connery is backing it.

"I have always thought many of the answers about Lockerbie would come through Scotland in some way." Dr Swire said he understood the cost of such a project could be $50m-$100m (pounds 31m-pounds 61m). Backing for the project by a star of Connery's stature could only help the chances of the film eventually being made, he added.