Lockerbie bomber dies three years after mercy release

Al-Megrahi, a former Libyan intelligence agent, died in his own bed in Tripoli surrounded by his family. He was released amid controversial circumstances after developing prostate cancer while serving his sentence for the 1988 atrocity which killed 270 people.

The 60-year-old was allowed home after doctors said he had just three months to live.

Prime Minister David Cameron said it was the victims of the attack who should be remembered.

“I’ve always been clear he should never have been released from prison,” he said. “Today is a day to remember the 270 people who lost their lives in what was an appalling terrorist act.

“Our thoughts should be with them and their families for the suffering they’ve had.”

The Prime Minister dismissed calls for an inquiry into Megrahi’s conviction which the Libyan always contested.

The decision to free him on August 20 2009 by Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill provoked an international storm.

The bombing of Pan Am flight 103, travelling from London to New York four days before Christmas, killed all 259 people on board. Eleven residents of the Dumfries and Galloway town also died after the plane crashed down on their homes.

Eventually Megrahi was put on trial under Scots law at Camp Zeist in the Netherlands. He was found guilty in 2001 of mass murder and was ordered to serve a minimum of 27 years. Despite claims that he could not have worked alone, Megrahi was the only man ever brought to justice over the attack.

Ex-Liberal Democrat leader and Scottish QC Sir Menzies Campbell said: “The decision to release Mr Megrahi was ill-judged and undermined confidence in the Scottish legal system. Answers to many of the outstanding questions have died with Mr Megrahi.”