A secretive new probe into the Lockerbie bombing has been launched in Malta, it was claimed yesterday.
A report said Scottish prosecutors have asked the Maltese authorities to gather fresh evidence over the 1988 air disaster, caused by a bomb said to have originated in Malta.
The Crown Office refused to confirm the claims.
The reported court hearings took place last week behind closed doors.
The Times of Malta newspaper said: "Several Maltese witnesses were called to testify. The court appears to be reviewing evidence connected to travel logistics but no further information could be obtained. Multiple sources have confirmed that the hearings were connected with the Lockerbie case and were instigated by what is known as a Rogatory Letter from Scotland.
"In the letter, a foreign judicial or prosecution institution asks a counterpart in another country for judicial assistance, usually the taking of evidence."
Justice for Megrahi campaigners, who claim Libyan Abdelbaset al Megrahi was innocent of the crime, prepare to repeat their arguments for the case to be re-examined in an inquiry. They will appear before the Scottish Parliament later this month.
Justice for Megrahi member Professor Robert Black expressed shock at the claims from Malta.
Mr Black, a lawyer at the original Lockerbie trial in the Netherlands, said: "It looks like the Crown Office is trying to shore up the Malta connection, which is pretty weak."
The Maltese Government denies the bomb could have gone through Luqa airport.
Megrahi's conviction was underpinned by the disputed testimony of Maltese shopkeeper Tony Gauci. Mr Gauci identified Megrahi as the person who, in December 1988, made a purchase of clothing, the fragments of which were found scattered on the disaster site in Lockerbie.
A Crown Office spokesman said: "This is a live investigation to bring to justice the others involved in this act of state-sponsored terrorism.
"Dumfries and Galloway Police are working with US law enforcement in pursuit of lines of inquiry. In order to preserve the integrity of the investigation it would not be appropriate to offer further comment."
The Scottish Government freed Megrahi on compassionate grounds in August 2009 and he died in May.
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