Tributes to 'inspirational' police officer John Boyd who led hunt for Lockerbie bombers

Tributes have been paid to the “inspirational” police constable who led the hunt for the Lockerbie bombers after his death aged 90.

On December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over the town in Dumfries and Galloway, 40 minutes into its flight from London to New York.

All 259 passengers and crew were killed, along with 11 Lockerbie residents.

John Boyd was the chief constable of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary at the time of the 845 square mile explosion.

HM chief inspector of constabulary Craig Naylor paid tribute to his predecessor, saying he “upheld the highest standards of law enforcement at a time of immense tragedy”.

He said: “John Boyd, CBE QPM, exemplified the epitome of leadership, dedication, and service throughout his career.

“He devoted himself to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement and community safety at a time of immense tragedy following the bombing of a flight over Lockerbie.”

Scotland

Lockerbie bombing marked 35 years on

Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over the town in Dumfries and Galloway on December 21, 1988.

Mr Boyd, who was from Oban, led the hunt for the Lockerbie bombers as well as overseeing the search for the bodies of the 270 people who were killed in the tragedy.

Former Libyan intelligence officer, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is the only man convicted in relation to the bombing, after being found guilty of 270 counts of murder by a panel of three Scottish judges.

Mr Boyd was also a former assistant chief constable of Strathclyde Police, before serving as HM chief inspector of constabulary from 1993 to 1996.

For his handling of the criminal investigation into what remains the worst terrorist attack ever recorded in the UK he was made a Commander of the British Empire in 1989.

His death comes just four months after commemorations were held on the 35th anniversary of the Lockerbie bombing.

Mr Naylor added: “His legacy serves as an inspiration, embodying the virtues of integrity, compassion, and
courage.

“His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary hold his wife, sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in our thoughts at this time.”

Following a private cremation, a service to celebrate Mr Boyd’s life will be held at Houston and Killellan Kirk on Saturday, April 27.