The row over the release of the Lockerbie bomber has reignited after he was given a standing ovation during a reception with 150 African politicians.

Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi was treated as a hero by the delegation, in his first public appearance since his return to Libya three weeks ago.

After less than five minutes, the bomber, who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, began to cough and signalled he wanted to leave.

The African MPs said they had made the trip to express their "solidarity" with Megrahi and claimed he was a victim of "international injustice".