Police contact dead WPC's family

Fletcher was shot outside the Libyan Embassy in London in 1984.

Her family are still waiting for whoever was responsible to be brought to trial, 26 years after her murder.

Reports yesterday indicated that progress has been made in the investigation that could lead to charges being made.

But officers from the Met Police visited Libya last year as part of the investigation, but refused to be drawn when asked if charges were close.

A spokesman explained: "The murder investigation has always remained open and the MPS remains committed to identifying those people responsible for killing WPC Yvonne Fletcher.

"Detectives remain in regular contact with WPC Fletcher's family and update them on developments.

"Following the restoration of diplomatic relations between the UK and Libya, a joint investigation by the MPS and the Libyan authorities was started and this continues.

"A small team from the Metropolitan Police last visited Libya in August 2010 to discuss the investigation."

WPC Fletcher had been helping to control a small demonstration taking place outside the Libyan Embassy when she was shot. She received a fatal stomach wound and some of the demonstrators were also severely injured.

The policewoman died soon afterwards at Westminster Hospital.

Her fianc, another police officer who was also at the demonstration, was at her side.

After the shooting, people were cleared from surrounding offices in St James' Square, where some had witnessed events from their workplace.