Libya asked to help in Lockerbie probe

Prosecutors in Scotland have asked the new Libyan leadership for its help with the Lockerbie bombing inquiry.

Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC has requested that Libyan authorities hand over any information that could lead to a second trial over the atrocity, which killed 270 people in December 1988.

Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is the only person to have been convicted of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which crashed down over Lockerbie.

He was released on compassionate grounds from Greenock Prison in August 2009, when doctors advised he had around three months to live after he was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer.

Amin Khalifa Fhimah also stood trial with Megrahi, but was acquitted of any involvement.

Now the Crown Office is seeking assistance from Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) to gain evidence that could lead to the conviction of others involved in the atrocity.

A spokesman said it is accepted that Megrahi "did not act alone" and they are hopeful recent developments in Libya will mean the country will assist with the inquiry.

He said: "The trial court accepted that Mr Megrahi acted in furtherance of the Libyan intelligence services in an act of state-sponsored terrorism and did not act alone.

"Lockerbie remains an open inquiry concerning the involvement of others with Mr Megrahi in the murder of 270 people.

"The Crown will continue to pursue lines of inquiry that become available, and following recent events in Libya, has asked the National Transitional Council, through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, for assistance with the investigation.

"In particular we have asked the NTC to make available to the Crown any documentary evidence and witnesses which could assist in the ongoing inquiries.

"As the investigation remains live and in order to preserve the integrity of that investigation, it would not be appropriate to offer further comment."

PA