A small village in Dorset was the stage for the latest development in the Russian spy story today.
Birchwood Avenue in Alderholt was cordoned off due to a ‘police and military investigation’.
A policeman at the scene said two vehicles had been removed by the authorities.
Parts of Gillingham in north Dorset were shut off yesterday while personnel in hazmat suits removed a breakdown truck used to transport Mr. Skripal’s car.
Reaction:
Local resident Brian Chapman said: “I am very surprised by what was found in the village.
“I grew up in Salisbury and, hearing about what’s happened there, I can understand why there is so much police and military presence.”
Lesley Hopkins, who also lives nearby, said: “I’m not concerned, I’m able to bring my car back by five.”
An unnamed dog walker also told The Breaker he wasn’t worried.
He said: “I’ve been playing golf all day!
“They’ve got to do what they have to do.”
What happened?
A number of government organisations were present at the scene, including police, military and the ambulance service.
One car covered in a tarpaulin was taken away on the back of a military vehicle.
A military photographer and personnel in specialist protective suits were also been seen inside the cordon.
The Metropolitan Police did not comment on the incident in Aldershot but stated there are a number of crime scenes across Dorset in relation to the ongoing Russian spy investigation.
No official statement has been released.
#TravelDorsetAlert: Alderholt – Birchwood Avenue closed. Police and military investigation.
— Travel Dorset (@TravelDorset) March 15, 2018
H47P7 mobilised by @DWFireControl to assist the #Ambulance Service gain entry to a property in #Alderholt ?? #WorkingTogether #TeamHants pic.twitter.com/nEKyXA57Lr
— Fordingbridge Fire (@Fordingbridge47) March 15, 2018
Background:
The incident in Alderholt is the latest development in the poisoning of Sergei Skripal, a former double agent, and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury on Sunday 4 March.
They both remain in hospital, as does Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey.
DS Bailey was the first officer on the scene of the nerve agent attack.
Prime Minister Theresa May visited Salisbury earlier today, where she told assembled reporters that the United Kingdom held Russia responsible for the “brazen” attack.
You can read a full rundown of Dorset’s links to the Salisbury poisoning here.
