Calls grow for full inquiry into the Lockerbie bombing

information from the new Libyan Government about Lockerbie as well as the death of WPC Yvonne Fletcher, who was shot outside the Libyan Embassy in London in 1984.”

He added: “In the chaos of the fall of Gaddafi a lot of information may have been destroyed or lost. It’s possible we may never know the truth.”

David Mundell, the Scotland Office Minister who is also the MP for Lockerbie, said: “There won’t be closure for the bereaved or for others caught up in this tragedy until there are a lot more answers. There are obviously those who have information about the bombing who have not come forward.

“For the sake of the victims in particular, I hope anyone who does have information will come forward and complete the picture.”

In Washington, the White House made clear the Libyan’s death did not end the quest for justice.

“Megrahi’s death concludes an unfortunate chapter following his release from prison in 2009 on medical grounds – a move we strongly opposed,” said Tommy Vietor, the White House National Security Council spokesman.

“We want to see justice for the victims of the Lockerbie bombing and their families. We will continue working with our new partners in Libya toward a full accounting of Gaddafi’s horrific acts.”

David Ben-ayreah, a spokesman for some of the British families of Lockerbie victims, claimed he had been told a week ago by sources in Tripoli that Megrahi had been slipping in and out of deep comas and that the secondary tumours had affected his abdomen and lower chest. “As someone who attended the trial, I have never taken the view that Megrahi was guilty. Megrahi is the 271st victim of Lockerbie,” he said.

Jim Swire, whose daughter Flora was another Lockerbie victim, described his death as “a very sad event”, claiming fresh evidence would prove the Libyan was innocent.

However, Susan Cohen, whose 20-year-old daughter Theodora was killed in the bombing, said she hoped Megrahi had died “a painful, horrible death”.

Speaking from her home in New Jersey, Mrs Cohen, 74, added: “I feel no pity for Megrahi. I believe he should have died a lot sooner. He should have been tried in the States and given the death penalty.”