Poisoned spy’s daughter ‘improving rapidly’

● Police focus efforts on agent’s home as likely site of contact with nerve agent

The daughter of a former Russian double agent poisoned alongside her father in a nerve agent attack is no longer in a critical condition and is now stable in hospital, doctors said.

Yulia Skripal was “improving rapidly” after being exposed to Novichok on 4 March in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Her father, Sergei Skripal, remains in a critical but stable condition.

The Metropolitan Police now believe Mr Skripal and his daughter, who was visiting him from Russia, first came into contact with the deadly chemical at his home in Salisbury. Detailed forensic testing revealed the highest concentration of Novichok was found on the front door of his home.

The attempted murder investigation is continuing, with police placing a cordon around a children’s play area at nearby Montgomery Gardens. Officers said traces of the nerve agent had been found at some of the other scenes detectives have been working at, but at lower concentrations.

Detectives will now focus their inquiries in and around Mr Skripal’s home address, and specialist teams will step back from some of the other areas investigated over the past few weeks.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon said: “I

0 Yulia Skripal’s condition is now described as being stable in the Salisbury hospital would like to reassure residents that we have placed the cordons around the park, and officers will be searching it, as a precautionary measure.

“I would like to reiterate Public Health England’s advice that the risk to the public is low. Anyone with concerns regarding the ongoing police activity in Salisbury is encouraged to speak to the local officers or PCSOS at the locations, who will be happy to offer reassurance.”

Mr Skripal and his daughter have been patients at Salisbury District Hospital since they were discovered unconscious on a park bench close to The Maltings shopping centre nearly four weeks ago.

Wiltshire Police Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, who was also exposed to the nerve agent, was discharged from the hospital last week.

Medical director Dr Christine Blanshard said: “I’m pleased to be able to report an improvement in the condition of Yulia Skripal. She has responded well to treatment but continues to receive expert clinical care 24 hours a day.

“I want to take this opportunity to once again thank the staff of Salisbury District Hospital for delivering such high quality care to these patients over the last few weeks.

“I am very proud both of our frontline staff and all those who support them.”

Early this week Viktoria Skripal, a niece of the former spy, said she thought her uncle and cousin have only a slim chance of surviving.