Fergal Keane reports from Chile on the reaction to the decision not to charge General Pinochet

The High Court in London ruled on Wednesday that General Pinochet was entitled to immunity from prosecution but referred the matter to the House of Lords - the highest court in the UK - for a final judgement next week.

Three High Court judges ruled that he could not be detained in the UK on charges which stemmed from his actions as a former head of state of a foreign country.

Arrested in hospital

Lawyers for General Pinochet, who was arrested earlier this month after arriving in the UK for a back operation, are expected to apply for bail on Friday.

Daniel Schweimler reports from Madrid on reaction to the decision in Spain

Thousands of people have turned out in cities throughout Spain for a 24-hour vigil in support of the Spanish judges who are seeking to extradite Chile's former dictator.

In Madrid's Plaza de Colon musicians sang doleful ballads and candles were lit by those on the vigil.

Support for the investigation into Gen Pinochet has been very strong in Spain, with few dissenting voices heard.

Vicente Alegria, a Chilean exile in London, reacts angrily to the decision

One of the investigating lawyers, Juan Garces, said: "I do not know how the British court arrived at such a conclusion.

"It is a very dangerous principle to grant immunity to any head of state even if he is accused of crimes against humanity."

'Still confident of justice'

But Mr Garces said he was still confident Gen Pinochet would one day stand trial in Spain on charges of genocide.

He said the case against him was so strong the House of Lords would have to overturn the decision of the High Court.

Pinochet supporters welcome the decision in Santiago

In the Chilean capital, Santiago, Communist Party members - gathering outside the presidential palace to voice their protest at the decision - were drowned out by supporters of the general as they celebrated outside the Pinochet Foundation.

The former ruler's supporters say they are considering taking legal action against the Spanish judge, Baltasar Garzon, for political persecution.

Alberto Espina, of the National Renovation Party, said: "Chile has won. A free country has won.

"There is no justification from a political, moral or legal point of view to keep the ex-president under arrest."

Mariano Fernandez welcomes the decision not to extradite General Pinochet

The Chilean Deputy Foreign Minister, Mariano Fernandez, said: "The Chilean Government is very happy and satisfied that the British High Court has recognised Senator Pinochet's immunity."

Outside the London clinic where General Pinochet is being held there were scuffles when his wife, son and daughters arrived shortly after the result had been announced.

Demonstrators chanted "killer" in Spanish.

A Spaniard signs a petition protesting at the decision not to charge General Pinochet

Helen Bamber, founder of the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, said: "The High Court has made England a safe haven for dictators and former dictators.

"Does this mean that men like Saddam Hussein and Slobodan Milosevic are safe to swan around the globe in the knowledge that legally they are untouchable?"