There were celebrations in London and Madrid as news of the Law Lords' decision emerged.

Opponents of the general sang, waved Chilean flags and drank champagne.

There were also scenes of jubilation outside the London hospital where General Pinochet has been held since mid October.

In Madrid, Isobel Allende, the daughter of President Salvador Allende who was overthrown by General Pinochet in 1973, said the decision showed the world's dictators they were not above the law.