US charges 'third conspirator' over Lockerbie bombing

The US has charged a “third conspirator'' in connection with the Lockerbie bombing.

Attorney General William Barr made the announcement in a news conference in Washington on the 32nd anniversary of the atrocity.

Pan AM flight 103 was travelling from London to New York when it blew up over Dumfries and Galloway on December 21st in 1988, killing 270 people. It is the largest terror attack ever in Britain and the second largest in America, behind 9/11.

Mr Barr told a press conference a suspect was identified along with two Libyan intelligence agents during the investigation in 1991 but at the time investigators could not “identify or locate'' this person.

He added: “The United States has filed criminal charges against the third conspirator, Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir Al-Marimi, for his role in the bombing of Pan Am flight 103.

“At long last, this man responsible for killing Americans and many others will be subject to justice for his crimes.

“I know first-hand the toil, sweat and tears that have been poured into pursuing justice for the victims and their families.

“We intend to work closely with our Scottish counterparts to ensure that he answers for his part in the Lockerbie bombing. It is our hope that the Libyan authorities will allow Masud to be tried for this crime in the United States.”

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said, "This announcement by the US Department of Justice is a significant development for the families of the victims, and my thoughts remain with them, particularly today, the 32nd anniversary of the bombing.

“Since 1988, policing in Scotland has been committed to carrying out the largest terrorist investigation ever undertaken in this country. Police Scotland will continue to work closely on this investigation, under the direction of the Crown Office, with our American law enforcement colleagues and other international partners.

“As judicial proceedings continue in Scotland, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

The Lord Advocate, James Wolffe QC, added, “For 32 years the families of the 270 people murdered in this atrocity have shown extraordinary and enduring dignity in the face of the loss they suffered on the terrible night of 21 December 1988. Today, our thoughts are with them once again.

“Scottish prosecutors and police have had a long-established and strong working relationship with US law enforcement agencies throughout this investigation.

“This relationship will continue to be important as the investigation progresses with the shared goal of bringing all those who committed this atrocity to justice.

“Scottish prosecutors will continue to work with US colleagues but we will not comment in detail on today’s announcement given that the Scottish criminal investigation is ongoing and there is an appeal before the court in relation to this crime.”

It comes as judges here continue deliberating the conviction appeal of the late Abdelbasset Al-Megrahi. He was the only man found guilty for the attack but his family and relatives of some victims believe he was wrongly convicted.

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