The Libyan jailed six years ago for the Lockerbie bombing could be soon released on bail after he was granted permission for a new appeal.

A review of Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi’s case found that his conviction was potentially unsafe because of doubts surrounding evidence that directly linked him to the bomb that exploded on Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988, killing 270 people.

If al-Megrahi’s conviction is overturned on appeal, it is almost certain that Libya will begin moves to reclaim the $2.7 billion (£1.4 billion) that it paid in compensation to the families of those killed.

The referral to the Court of Appeal by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission opens the way for al-Megrahi, 55, to apply for his release bail while his appeal is heard. He is currently serving a life sentence in a Scottish prison.

Many relatives of those killed in the bombing welcomed the announcement, having long argued that al-Megrahi is innocent.

Jean Berkley, of Northumberland, who lost her son, Alistair, in the atrocity said yesterday: “If there’s any question of a miscarriage of justice, then this may be put right.”

The Rev John Mosey, who lost his daughter, Helga, said: “We are entitled to know how the deaths of those we loved occurred. We have been denied it thus far.” Al-Megrahi, speaking through his solicitor, Tony Kelly, said that he was innocent of the bombing.

“I reiterate today what I have been saying since I was first indicted in 1991 – I was not involved in the Lockerbie bombing in any way whatsoever,” he said “I am confident that when the full picture is put before the ultimate arbiters, the Lords Commissioners of the Justiciary, I shall finally be recognised as an innocent man.”.

Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister, said: “It will now be for Mr al-Megrahi to present his appeal to the court and for the court to determine whether a miscarriage of justice has indeed occurred.”

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