‘Unusual activity’ seen at embassy before spy poisoning

INTELLIGENCE SERVICES investigated “increased” and “unusual” activity at the Russian embassy in London in the days before and after the Novichok poisoning, it is understood.

MI5, MI6 and GCHQ looked into “frantic comings and goings” at the building in Kensington in the days leading up to the moment former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia came into contact with the nerve agent and after they were found unconscious, according to a source.

In the wake of the attack, which took place in Salisbury a year ago yesterday, the observations were “deemed to be significant and of interest”, it is understood.

A security source said: “The intelligence agencies have been investigating unusual and increased activity at the Russian embassy in Kensington in the days leading up to and after the attack on the Skripals.”

The source, who has knowledge of the investigation, said lines of inquiry included looking at movements – described as “frantic and unprecedented” – which were observed at the time, adding: “As would be expected, the UK security services have eyes on known and undeclared foreign intelligence operatives.”

Britain has accused Russia of being behind the attack. Intelligence services believe it was ordered at “the highest level in the Russian state”, the source said.

Some two weeks after the attack, Prime Minister Theresa May kicked out 23 suspected Russian spies from the London embassy in the largest mass expulsion of diplomats since the Cold War.

Both Mrs May and Home Secretary Sajid Javid claimed the Russian government had been involved, saying approval came from a senior level in Moscow. It is understood several Russians are being investigated.

In September, Scotland Yard and the Crown Prosecution Service said there was sufficient evidence to charge two Russians –known by their aliases Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov – with offences including conspiracy to murder after they were caught on CCTV in Salisbury the day before the attack.

The Home Office, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and GCHQ declined to comment. The Russian Embassy did not respond when contacted.