12 Jul 2018 | 08:33 PM UTC
UK: Police responding to public health incident in Salisbury July 12 /update 1
Salisbury police responding to incident on Castle Street after a man fell ill outside restaurant known to have been visited by victims of nerve agent attack; risk to general public remains low
Event
Police are responding to an incident outside a restaurant in Salisbury (Wiltshire county), where a man fell ill on Thursday evening (local time), July 12; the restaurant is reportedly one where former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter dined shortly before being poisoned in March. The area surrounding the Zizzi restaurant on Castle Street has been cordoned off while police investigate the situation and residents have been asked to avoid the area. However, according to a spokesperson for the Wiltshire Police, there is currently no reason to suspect a wider risk to the general public, and stated that the actions are "highly precautionary" to "ensure public safety."
Context
On Saturday, June 30, a man and woman in Amesbury (Wiltshire county) were discovered unconscious and later found to have been poisoned by the same nerve agent - Novichok - used against the Skripals. The woman subsequently died on July 8. Although the UK government has stated it suspects the Skripals were victims of a Russian attack, authorities have said there is no evidence to suggest the couple in Amesbury were specifically targeted. Investigations into the incidents are ongoing.
Advice
Individuals present in affected areas are advised to adhere to all local guidance.
