Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi, is terminally ill with cancer, with a grim prognosis of death within 'weeks or months.'

A rare statement from his solicitor Tony Kelly has confirmed that Megrahi is suffering from the advanced stages of prostate cancer, which has spread to other parts of his body.

A Dutch documentary filmmaker has told the German press association that Megrahi's life expectancy was short.  The Firm can confirm that a dutch documentary film crew has been close to Megrahi and key figures in his case recently.

The crew are understood to have been briefed by 'reliable sources close to a Libyan delegation,' currently in London to request Megrahi's repatriation to Libya on compassionate grounds.

'Following hospital tests, Mr Al Megrahi was last month diagnosed with prostate cancer," said Kelly in a statement.

"Unfortunately the disease has spread to other parts of his body and is therefore at an advanced stage. Mr Al Megrahi asks that the privacy of his family is respected at this difficult time.'