Russian spy latest: Hundreds of Salisbury pub-goers and diners told to wash possessions after traces of nerve agent found

Sergei Skripal and his daughter are still fighting for their lives in hospital

Hundreds of diners and pub-goers in Salisbury have been told to wash their clothing and possessions after traces of the nerve agent used to poison a former Russian spy were found.

Public Health England (PHE) published the "precautionary advice" after Sergei Skripal and his daughter were found slumped on a bench in the Wiltshire city a week ago.

A third victim, Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, was also admitted to hospital after falling seriously ill when he responded to the emergency, however his condition has since improved.

Anyone who was in The Mill pub between 1.30pm last Sunday and 11.10pm on Monday, or the nearby Zizzi restaurant between 1.30pm on Sunday and 9pm on Monday, are urged to follow the advice.

On Wednesday, England's chief medical officer, Sally Davies, said there was a "low risk" to the public.

Anyone who visited the two locations within the timeframe is advised:

• Wash the clothing that you were wearing in an ordinary washing machine using your regular detergent at the temperature recommended for the clothing.
• Any items which cannot be washed, and which would normally be dry cleaned, should be put in two plastic bags tied at the top and stored safely in your own home.
• Wipe personal items such as phones, handbags and other electronic items with cleansing or baby wipes and dispose of the wipes in the bin.
• Other items such as jewellery and spectacles which cannot go in the washing machine or be cleaned with cleansing or baby wipes, should be hand washed with warm water and detergent and then rinsed with clean cold water.
• Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after cleaning any items.

Dr Jenny Harries, PHE deputy medical director, said: "The immediate risk to the general public remains low and this has not changed.

"Rigorous scientific analysis has been on-going and we have learnt that there has been some limited contamination in both The Mill pub and Zizzi restaurant in Salisbury.

"Anyone who visited The Mill pub or Zizzi restaurant where the two affected individuals were can be reassured that this limited exposure will not have harmed their health to date.

"However, there may be a very small health risk associated with repeated contact with belongings which may have been contaminated by this substance.

"We therefore recommend that a precautionary approach is taken and advise people to clean the clothes they were wearing and any possessions they had with them."

Police have identified more than 200 witnesses and are looking at more than 240 pieces of evidence in the investigation into the attack on, Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, said.

Ms Rudd said Nick Bailey, a police officer who became unwell after taking part in the early response to the attack, remained seriously ill but was talking and engaging with his family.

Mr Bailey released a statement from hospital saying “he does not consider himself a hero” and was “merely doing his job”.

The Ministry of Defence said armed forces personnel would be returning to Salisbury for a third day on Sunday.