Former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, was captured on CCTV passing bread to children to feed ducks in Salisbury, Wilts, shortly before he and his daughter, Yulia, were poisoned with the deadly nerve agent novichok. This incident is featured in the upcoming Channel 4 documentary, “Salisbury Poisonings: The Untold Story.” The Skripals were believed to have been contaminated after novichok was left on their front door handle. Despite their interactions with the public, no traces of the nerve agent were found on the children who received bread from them.
Tracy Daszkiewicz, former Wiltshire director of public health, expressed concerns about the potential risks to others who came into contact with the Skripals during their time in public places like restaurants and bars. The documentary also reveals the critical role of Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, who was contaminated while investigating the Skripals’ home.
The tragic death of Dawn Sturgess, who accidentally encountered the same poison, further underscored the seriousness of the situation. Despite global warrants for the arrest of three Russian agents linked to the attack, Russia has refused to extradite them. Former Counter Terrorism Police chief Neil Basu condemned insensitive remarks made about Dawn’s death, emphasizing the need for justice and respect for the victims.
The Salisbury Poisonings: The Untold Story will air on Channel 4 on Wednesday, April 29, at 9 pm.