An investigation into allegations the former Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe tried to have his gay lover killed is to be reopened by police after it emerged the would-be assassin may still be alive.

Police launched a new inquiry in 2015 into the attempted murder of Norman Scott but abandoned it last year after concluding Andrew Newton, an airline pilot allegedly hired to carry out the killing, was dead.

The force now says that information has come to light which suggests Newton - who shot Mr Scott's dog, and claimed he was paid to kill him - may still be alive.

Gwent police said: “Enquiries were completed which indicated Mr Newton was deceased. We have now revisited these enquiries and have identified information, which indicates that Mr Newton may still be alive.

"As a result, further enquiries will be conducted to trace Mr Newton to assess if he is able to assist the investigation.”