Final Salisbury clean-up set to begin

Police cordons have sprung up around Salisbury as preparations start to rid nine hot spots of the toxic after effects of last month’s nerve agent attack.

A small amount of the Novichok substance is thought to have been used in liquid form to target Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33. The multi-millionpound decontamination operation will centre on nine areas where experts think traces could still linger.

Government officials sought to allay concerns by saying the city was still safe for residents and visitors.

Four cordons were installed overnight. They were set up at Themaltingsshoppingcentre, The Mill pub, Riverside House and Zizzi restaurant.

Work is expected to start next week and is likely to prioritise a police station, two ambulance stations and the council building that were affected.