Pressure builds on U.K. to act in ex-spy case

SALISBURY, England — The health implications of the nerve agent attack on a Russian ex-spy and his adult daughter broadened Sunday when British officials conceded that limited traces of contamination were found in a restaurant and a pub in Salisbury, a city in England.

Public health officials said the risk of others being sickened by the chemicals that put the father and daughter in critical condition a week ago was very low. But they advised people who had patronized the businesses during a twoday period to wash their clothes, double-bag articles for dry cleaning and to wipe down items like jewelry.

“It’s really important to understand the general public should not be concerned. There is, on the evidence currently, a very low risk.” Dr. Jenny Harries of Public Health England said during a news conference. Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia 33 were found comatose on a bench near Zizzi restaurant and The Mill pub on March 4. Several hundred people would have been in the Salisbury establishments that day and the day after, Harries said.

The public health concerns are increasing pressure on the British government to take action against whoever is deemed responsible for the nerve agent attack.

Treasury chief Philip Hammond added his voice Sunday to the chorus of senior British figures vowing that strong steps will be taken if a foreign government is found to be responsible.

Authorities haven’t revealed how or where the Skripals were exposed to the nerve agent. They remain in critical but stable condition. A British police detective who came to their aid is also hospitalized in serious condition. He is said to be talking to visitors.