WHAT’S YOUR POISON?

It’s a bit of a flyer New vodka called Novichok

SICK Russian vodka distillers have put two fingers up at Britain by calling their latest product Novichok.

The 40% proof drink is named after the deadly nerve agent used in the bid to assassinate Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

Russia-based analyst Alex Kokcharov tweeted a picture yesterday of a bottle of “Novichok”, which is reportedly on sale in shops across the Russian state.

He wrote: “Russian marketeers are catching up with the Skripal poisoning fast. Novichok vodka is now sold in Russia.”

Underneath an article on the drink, inset, one person wrote: “Organise a delivery for a tasting at Buckingham Palace with members of the Cabinet. I am ready to pay for the parcel.”

Former Russian double agent Skripal, 66, pictured above, and Yulia, 33, were left in a critical condition after being exposed to the nerve agent in Salisbury, Wilts, last month.

Cop Nick Bailey, 38, also became seriously ill after going to investigate the poisoning and was exposed to the deadly agent, which was developed in the former USSR during the Cold War.

Russia has denied any involvement in the crime. But a major row erupted after Britain, backed by international organisations, ruled it was responsible. Dozens of diplomats were sent packing in tit-for-tat expulsions as countries across the world backed Britain’s robust response to Vladimir Putin’s reckless actions. Despite its name, Novichok vodka is not that strong by the famous spirit’s standards. Spirytus Rektyfikowany, a Polish vodka, is 96% proof, while Scottish-made Pincer Vodka also clocks in at 96%.

The news emerged as a Russian scientist who helped develop the nerve agent was knocked down by a car while crossing the street. Vladimir Uglev was hit near his house just outside the Black Sea resort of Anapa in south-west Russia. But the former scientist was not badly hurt and does not believe it was intentional.