Woman exposed to Novichok dies
POLICE: A murder investigation was under way last night after a woman who had been exposed to nerve agent in Wiltshire died in what counter-terrorism police branded a “reckless and barbaric act”.
Dawn Sturgess, 44, died in hospital last night after falling critically ill on June 30. Charlie Rowley, 45, was also exposed to Novichok in Amesbury.
A MURDER investigation was under way last night after a woman who had been exposed to nerve agent in Wiltshire died in what counter-terrorism police branded a “reckless and barbaric act”.
Dawn Sturgess, 44, died in hospital yesterday evening after falling critically ill on June 30.
Charlie Rowley, 45, who was also exposed to the nerve agent Novichok in Amesbury, yesterday remained critically ill in hospital.
Prime Minister Theresa May said she was “appalled and shocked” by the death, which comes four months after former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia fell ill after being exposed to Novichok in nearby Salisbury. The Skripals have since been discharged from hospital. A post-mortem examination on Ms Sturgess is due to take place and her family has been informed, police said.
Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, the head of UK Counter Terrorism policing, said: “This is shocking and tragic news. Dawn leaves behind her family, including three children, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this extremely difficult time.
“The 45-year-old man who fell ill with Dawn remains critically ill in hospital and our thoughts are with him and his family as well.
“This terrible news has only served to strengthen our resolve to identify and bring to justice the person or persons responsible for what I can only describe as an outrageous, reckless and barbaric act.
“Detectives will continue with their painstaking and meticulous work to gather all the available evidence so that we can understand how two citizens came to be exposed with such a deadly substance that tragically cost Dawn her life. ”
Home Secretary Sajid Javid yesterday undertook a brief tour of Amesbury only hours before the death of Ms Sturgess.
During the visit, he said there were “no current plans” to impose fresh sanctions on Russia, despite accusing the country of using Britain as a “dumping ground” for poison.
Mr Javid, who visited the site for about 25 minutes in total, met with Angus Macpherson, the Conservative police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire and Kier Pritchard, Wiltshire Police’s chief constable.
After news of Ms Sturgess’ death emerged, Mrs May said: “I am appalled and shocked by the death of Dawn Sturgess, and my thoughts and condolences go to her family and loved ones.
“Police and security officials are working urgently to establish the facts of this incident, which is now being investigated as a murder. The Government is committed to providing full support to the local community as it deals with this tragedy.”
Staff at Salisbury District Hospital “did everything they could” to save Ms Sturgess, its medical director Dr Christine Blanshard said.
And John Glen, the Tory MP for Salisbury and South Wiltshire, pledged to ensure police will be given “all necessary resources” to bring those responsible to justice.
I am appalled and shocked by the death of Dawn Sturgess. Prime Minister Theresa May .