Former spy poisoned in Salisbury

A former Russian military intelligence officer and his daughter have been poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, were found slumped on a bench in the city centre on the afternoon of 4 March. Both are critically ill in hospital.

Novichok

Police and scientists have identified the poison as Novichok, a type of nerve agent developed by Russia. The Prime Minister, Theresa May, told the House of Commons that it was highly likely that Russia was responsible.

A police officer, Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, who went to help, was also seriously ill but is recovering.

Who is Sergei Skripal?

Skripal was a colonel in the GRU, Russia's military intelligence agency. He was convicted in Russia in 2006 of spying for Britain, and came to Britain in 2010 as part of a spy swap between Russia and the United States. He has been living quietly in Salisbury.

Britain expels diplomats

The government has expelled 23 Russian diplomats, identified as undeclared intelligence officers, the largest expulsion for more than 30 years. May said Russia had failed to explain how the nerve agent came to be used.

Ministers and members of the royal family will not attend the football World Cup in Russia this summer.

Russia denies involvement

Russia has denied any involvement and has expelled British diplomats in response. The Russian government has accused Britain of making unfounded accusations.

International support

The United States, Germany and France have joined Britain in condemning the attack as the first offensive use of a nerve agent in Europe since the Second World War. More than 20 countries have expelled Russian diplomats in solidarity.

Clean-up

Parts of Salisbury have been sealed off while specialist teams decontaminate sites the Skripals visited, including a restaurant and a pub. Public Health England has said the risk to the public is low, but has advised people who were in the same places to wash their clothes.

Salisbury

The attack has shocked the quiet cathedral city, and businesses have seen fewer visitors. Residents have expressed disbelief that such an attack could happen in their city.

The investigation, led by counter-terrorism police, is expected to take months.