Lothian and Borders police are refusing to address any queries in relation to the possible prosecution of Crown Agent Norman MacFadyen

Last week, the force confirmed it was considering bringing charges against MacFadyen after they received information from MSP Christine Grahame relating to his handling of the Lockerbie proceedings.

However, police are steadfastly refusing to disclose whether or not charges will be brought, or even provide a likely timeframe for a decision. They have persistently refused to provide any clarification since it was confirmed that action against MacFadyen was being considered.

A Lothian and Borders police "news manager" said that their refusal to address further queries was “the response which this Force has agreed”.

It would represent an unprecedented step for charges to be brought against a serving Crown Agent.

The specific conduct alleged by Ms Grahame is not known. Ten days ago, the Crown Office issued a statement that Ms Grahame's letter contained “defamatory and entirely unfounded allegations of the most serious kind,” although to date The Firm understands that no action for defamation is proceeding bt Mr McFadyen, who is presently on leave.

The statement added that MacFadyen was "a man of the utmost integrity who is held in the highest regard by the Law Officers.”