The Salisbury novichok poisonings of March 2018, which targeted former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, resulted in the death of British citizen Dawn Sturgess. An inquiry held in Salisbury and London last year investigated the attack, the emergency response, and how Sturgess became involved.
The inquiry examined how the assassination attempt unfolded, with Skripal and his daughter Yulia poisoned by the nerve agent novichok. They survived, but Sturgess died after coming into contact with the substance, which was discarded in a perfume bottle.
Questions were raised about Russia's role in the attack, which the UK government attributed to the Russian state. Russia denied involvement, leading to diplomatic expulsions and heightened tensions.
The inquiry also scrutinised the response of emergency services and public bodies, assessing their preparedness and actions during the incident. It considered how the contamination spread and the risks to the public.
Ultimately, the inquiry sought to understand the failures that allowed an innocent civilian to die and to recommend improvements for handling such chemical attacks in the future.
