Spy poison scientist injured in Russian road crash

ONE of the scientists who claims to have invented the deadly nerve agent Novichok has been injured after being hit by a car in Russia.

Vladimir Uglev, 71, who said he was the first Soviet chemical weapons expert to synthesise the odourless liquid A-234, was knocked down while on a pedestrian crossing. In an interview last week, he said it appeared Russia was behind the nerve agent attack on double-agent Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, and admitted he could have produced the poison himself.

The scientist has also given a host of other interviews following claims that Russianmade Novichok was used against the Skripals in Salisbury, Wiltshire, in March. Mr Uglev was hit near his home in Anapa, south-west Russia, on Tuesday. He was left with head wounds and limb injuries.

‘I noticed that the car was going fast ahead of the crossing,’ he said. ‘I started to run and had nearly reached the end of the crossing when the car got me.’ Mr Uglev’s head went through the windscreen, according to reports. He discharged himself from hospital yesterday against doctor’s orders.

The driver was identified as a 70-year-old local man who stayed at the scene. Mr Uglev said he did not believe he was targeted.

Mr Skripal remains in hospital while his daughter has been discharged. A string of Russian critics of Vladimir Putin have died in Britain in mysterious circumstances.