Cordon to be lifted at Novichok victim's home

Police will lift the cordon at the home of Dawn Sturgess, who died after being poisoned with Novichok.

Investigators say no contamination risk has been identified at John Baker House, the supported-living accommodation in Salisbury, Wiltshire, where Ms Sturgess lived.

Public Health England's advice is that the wider risk to the public remains low.

Ms Sturgess died on July 8 after she and her partner Charlie Rowley, 45, both fell ill in Amesbury, Wiltshire, on June 30.

It is believed they were exposed to the deadly nerve agent after handling a contaminated bottle later found in the home of Mr Rowley, who was discharged from Salisbury District Hospital on Friday.

Wiltshire police said the cordon at John Baker House would be lifted on Tuesday evening after the building was handed back to the force by counter-terror police.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills said: "I hope that this news offers reassurance to the local community that the multi-agency work in this area is progressing.

"As we start to see scenes handed back by the national investigation, Wiltshire Police will work with Wiltshire Council and other partners who are leading on the recovery process to assess and agree the next steps that need to be taken to safely return sites to public use.

"At all times public safety will remain the number one priority for all agencies involved.

"I would like to reiterate our thanks to the people of Salisbury for their patience and understanding, as I am acutely aware of the impact this cordon has had on the local community."

Alistair Cunningham, chair of the recovery co-ordination group, added: "This is an important step forward in the process of recovery and working with Sanctuary Housing, so John Baker House can reopen for its residents."