People urged to wash possessions after poisoning of ex-Russian spy

HUNDREDS of diners and pub-goers have been urged to wash clothes and other items a week after potentially coming into contact with the nerve agent used to attack former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter.

The “precautionary advice” was issued after traces of the substance were found in The Mill pub and the nearby Zizzi restaurant, in Salisbury.

England’s chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies said she believed fewer than 500 people would have been in either venue between Sunday lunchtime and Monday night.

Dr Jenny Harries, joint director of Public Health England (PHE), defended the decision to issue new guidance seven days after Mr Skripal (66) and his daughter, Yulia (33) were found slumped on a bench in the Wiltshire city. They remain in Salisbury District Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

She told reporters yesterday: “This is about a very, very small risk of repetitive contact with traces of contamination that people may have taken out. The advice we’re giving today about washing clothes — very simple things... that will remove that risk as we go forward.”

PHE advised people who visited The Mill pub and Zizzi restaurant last Sunday and Monday should take action. This includes advice to machine wash clothing worn that day, double-bag clothing worn that day which would normally be dry cleaned Military personnel wearing protective suits removed a police car and other vehicles from a public car park as they continue investigations into the poisoning of Sergei Skripal (above) and his daughter Yulia

and await further advice, wipe personal effects such as mobile phones, purses and wallets with baby wipes, and hand-wash jewellery.

It comes as Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital where he is said to be conscious and talking.

Temporary Chief Constable Kier Pritchard of Wiltshire Police said the “unprecedented incident”, involving one of his officers, “sent shockwaves through the force”.

He was “unable to clarify how long” crime scenes at a number of sites around Salisbury will remain in place.

Meanwhile, armed forces personnel continue to assist police.

Soldiers removed two ambulances from the South Western Ambulance Service station on Saturday, while more soldiers were seen at Bourne Hill Police Station.

Police investigating the suspected attack have identified more than 240 witnesses and 200 pieces of evidence, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said.

The attack on Mr Skripal and his daughter was a “violation” of the city, the Bishop of Salisbury said.

The Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam told BBC Radio Solent: “There has been a violation of this place and this community and it is more than an attack on individuals.”

Cordons remain in place across the city as investigators in biohazard safety suits continue to scour for clues.