Guildhall closed and increased police presence ahead of Novichok inquiry
The public inquiry starts on Monday 14th October in Salisbury
Salisbury Guildhall has been closed to the public ahead of the Novichok Inquiry starting on Monday (14th October).
An increased police presence is also in force ahead of the building hosting the opening day of the Inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess in July 2018.
The 44-year-old from Amesbury died after being exposed to the nerve agent which had been stored in a perfume bottle.
It followed the attempted murders of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in March 2018, as well as the poisoning of former Wiltshire Police officer Nick Bailey.
The trio survived, as did Ms Sturgess's partner, Charlie Rowley.
Wiltshire Police said in a statement:
"While the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry is sitting in Salisbury, Wiltshire Police have responsibility for the policing operation outside of the Guildhall. We have developed a proportionate policing plan which will be resourced, largely, by our Neighbourhood Policing colleagues. These are familiar faces within the community with strong, local connections.
"Although our communities in Salisbury city centre will likely see an increased policing presence for the duration of the Salisbury hearing phase, there is no current intelligence to suggest there is any risk to the wider public."
We have contacted Salisbury City Council for a comment.
The first five days of the public inquiry will be in Salisbury, before moving to London's Royal Courts of Justice from Monday 28th October.