Menu
04/12/2006
Police to visit Russia as Litvinenko investigation continues
Police investigating the death of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko are to travel to Russia as part of the investigation.
The announcement came as Home Secretary John Reid travelled to a meeting at the European Council in Brussels, where he briefed other EU interior ministers on the investigation.
On Sunday, Mr Reid said that the investigation was likely to extend beyond Britain.
Mr Litvinenko, 43, died last month after falling ill at the beginning of November. A major dose of radioactive material polonium 210 was found in his body.
Traces of the substance have been found in several locations across London. Three British Airways planes were also tested amid fears that they were also contaminated. However, they since been given the all clear and have returned to service.
Mr Litvinenko fell ill after meeting with Mario Scaramella, an academic involved in an Italian inquiry into KGB activity in the country, at the Itsu sushi restaurant in Piccadilly on November 1.
Mr Scaramella remains under observation by doctors after also testing positive for polonium 210, although he is not showing any symptoms of poisoning.
Friends of Mr Litvinenko have claimed that he was poisoned on the orders of the Russian government - claims that have been dismissed by the Kremlin as "sheer nonsense". Russia's foreign intelligence service, the SVR, have also denied any involvement in Mr Litvinenko's death.
The Health Protection Agency have confirmed that more than 3,000 people have now called the NHS Direct line following the radiation scare. Of that number, 179 have been followed up for further investigation with 27 people being referred to a specialist clinic as a precautionary measure.
Seventy urine samples, taken mainly from medical staff and ambulance workers, have also been tested but all have been found negative.
(KMcA)
The announcement came as Home Secretary John Reid travelled to a meeting at the European Council in Brussels, where he briefed other EU interior ministers on the investigation.
On Sunday, Mr Reid said that the investigation was likely to extend beyond Britain.
Mr Litvinenko, 43, died last month after falling ill at the beginning of November. A major dose of radioactive material polonium 210 was found in his body.
Traces of the substance have been found in several locations across London. Three British Airways planes were also tested amid fears that they were also contaminated. However, they since been given the all clear and have returned to service.
Mr Litvinenko fell ill after meeting with Mario Scaramella, an academic involved in an Italian inquiry into KGB activity in the country, at the Itsu sushi restaurant in Piccadilly on November 1.
Mr Scaramella remains under observation by doctors after also testing positive for polonium 210, although he is not showing any symptoms of poisoning.
Friends of Mr Litvinenko have claimed that he was poisoned on the orders of the Russian government - claims that have been dismissed by the Kremlin as "sheer nonsense". Russia's foreign intelligence service, the SVR, have also denied any involvement in Mr Litvinenko's death.
The Health Protection Agency have confirmed that more than 3,000 people have now called the NHS Direct line following the radiation scare. Of that number, 179 have been followed up for further investigation with 27 people being referred to a specialist clinic as a precautionary measure.
Seventy urine samples, taken mainly from medical staff and ambulance workers, have also been tested but all have been found negative.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 April 2007
Campaign launched in memory of Alexander Litvinenko
A campaign has been launched by the widow and friends of murdered former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko in his name. The Litvinenko Justice Foundation aims to put pressure on both the British and Russian governments to find those responsible for Mr Litvinenko's death.
Campaign launched in memory of Alexander Litvinenko
A campaign has been launched by the widow and friends of murdered former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko in his name. The Litvinenko Justice Foundation aims to put pressure on both the British and Russian governments to find those responsible for Mr Litvinenko's death.
29 November 2006
More locations tested in Litvinenko investigation
Police investigating the death of former KGB agent Litvinenko are examining two new locations in London's West End. The search for traces of polonium 210 - a radioactive substance found in the body of Mr Litvinenko - has now been extended to cover the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel and a second office building in Grosvenor Street.
More locations tested in Litvinenko investigation
Police investigating the death of former KGB agent Litvinenko are examining two new locations in London's West End. The search for traces of polonium 210 - a radioactive substance found in the body of Mr Litvinenko - has now been extended to cover the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel and a second office building in Grosvenor Street.
30 November 2006
Radiation found in 12 locations in Litvinenko investigation
Traces of a radioactive substance have been found in 12 locations as the investigation into the death of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko continues. Speaking in the Commons, Home Secretary John Reid revealed that 24 locations are being monitored.
Radiation found in 12 locations in Litvinenko investigation
Traces of a radioactive substance have been found in 12 locations as the investigation into the death of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko continues. Speaking in the Commons, Home Secretary John Reid revealed that 24 locations are being monitored.
05 December 2006
British police continue Litvinenko investigation in Moscow
British police officers investigating the death of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko have arrived in Moscow to continue their inquiry.
British police continue Litvinenko investigation in Moscow
British police officers investigating the death of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko have arrived in Moscow to continue their inquiry.
28 November 2006
Locations tested in radiation search
Police investigating the death of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko have discovered traces of the poison that killed him in three other locations in London.
Locations tested in radiation search
Police investigating the death of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko have discovered traces of the poison that killed him in three other locations in London.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
