Novichok victim has gone blind

NOVICHOK survivor Charlie Rowley was in a hospital intensive care unit last night after suddenly going blind.

Mr Rowley, 45, was poisoned along with his girlfriend Dawn Sturgess, 44, by the same nerve agent used in the attempted killing of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in June.

His brother Matthew Rowley said: ‘He was admitted to hospital on Friday because he went totally blind. I wasn’t sure he was going to make it. All of his systems seemed to be shutting down.’

Mr Rowley, from Amesbury, Wiltshire, is in Salisbury General Hospital.

A spokesman for the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘We do not comment on individual patients. But I can say we are not treating anyone for nerve agent-related illness.’ But his brother added: ‘It’s a bit of a coincidence.’

It is understood some of Mr Rowley’s sight was returning last night but medics are still fearful for his overall health.

An ambulance was first called to Mr Rowley’s address on June 30 after Miss Sturgess, a mother of three, collapsed.

Hours later, Mr Rowley was admitted to Salisbury General Hospital – where the Skripals were also treated. It is thought the couple had sprayed themselves with the military-grade nerve agent. Miss Sturgess died on July 8.

A five-month investigation concluded earlier this month that a two-strong hit team from Russia was responsible for the poisonings. However, the Kremlin has denied any involvement.