Identity of Novichok suspect ‘revealed’

An online investigations group has published what it claimed is the real identity of one of the prime suspects in the Salisbury nerve agent attack.

Bellingcat has reported that the man who was named as Ruslan Boshirov is actually Colonel Anatoliy Chepiga, who they say is a highly decorated officer in the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence service.

The Home Office said it could neither confirm nor deny the reporting about the suspect’s real identity.

Earlier this month, Britain accused Russia of “lies and blatant fabrications” after the prime suspects in the Novichok attack claimed they visited the UK as tourists.

The men, who said their names were Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, told Russian statefunded news channel RT they travelled to the “wonderful” city in Wiltshire after recommendations from friends.

The pair claimed they have been left fearing for their lives after Britain pointed to their involvement.

Downing Street called the content of the interview “deeply offensive to the victims and loved ones of this horrific attack”.

The pair told RT they worked in the fitness industry. Russian president Vladimir Putin insisted they were civilians.