BBC Novichok drama angers poisoned officer’s family

THE BBC has been criticised by the family of a police officer who was poisoned by Novichok over its plans to screen a drama about the attack in Salisbury.

The parents of detective sergeant Nick Bailey described the commissioned two-part series, announced by the corporation last week, as “inappropriately premature”.

Their son was left fighting for his life after inadvertently coming into contact with Novichok, a high-grade nerve agent, that was intended to kill Russian double agent Sergei Skripal.

Steve Bailey and his wife, Sue, of Sandleheath, in the New Forest, Hants, accused the BBC of “sensationalising” the incident, which sparked a diplomatic row between Britain and Russia.

In a letter, the couple said: “This is inappropriately premature for the people

‘As the parents of Det Sgt Nick Bailey, who was poisoned by the nerve agent, we don’t need this as a reminder’

of Salisbury and in particular [for] the victims and their families.

“As the parents of Det Sgt Nick Bailey, who was poisoned by the nerve agent, we fully agree that our family, as well as the families of the other victims, don’t need this as a reminder.

“We are all still trying to come to terms with what happened last year.”

Last week, the BBC announced it had commissioned a drama about the incident, written by former Panorama reporter Declan Lawn and producer and director Adam Patterson.

The pair promised the series, which has been in development since last year and is set to air on BBC Two, would focus on the “extraordinary heroism with which ordinary people reacted to the crisis”.

Piers Wenger, controller of BBC Drama, said: “The poisonings in Salisbury shocked the nation and had a huge impact on an unsuspecting community. This drama will capture the bravery, resilience and personal experience of the local people who faced a situation of unimaginable horror, so close to home.”

Det Sgt Bailey, Mr Skripal and the Russian double agent’s daughter Yulia were taken to Salisbury District Hospital after the attack in March last year.

The police officer spent two weeks in hospital, while former Russian special forces colonel Mr Skripal and his daughter spent almost three months being treated.

Asked about the Baileys’ criticism of the BBC, a spokesman said: “We have no further comment to add.”