About Novichok

● The chemical weapon was produced in the Soviet Union.

● Variants of the nerve agent are reported to be up to eight times more effective than the VX nerve gas deployed in the assassination of Kim Jong Nam in February 2017.

● Scientists at the defence laboratory at Porton Down, 11km from Salisbury, identified Novichok as the weapon used.

● Novichok means ‘newcomer’ or ‘new guy’.