New documentary to air on Salisbury Novichok poisonings

A new documentary aims to share the 'definitive story' of the nerve agent attack in Salisbury in 2018 which saw former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia targeted.

'Secrets of the Salisbury Poisonings' has been made for Discovery Plus which says it reflects the 'human experiences of those who were at the centre of the story.' That includes former Wiltshire police officer Nick Bailey who was left seriously ill after coming into contact with Novichok at the Skripal's home where it had been sprayed on the door handle and Amesbury resident Charlie Rowley who was exposed to the same nerve agent three months later.

Both survived but Charlie's girlfriend who unwittingly sprayed the nerve agent, found in perfume bottle, on her wrists died.

The 90 minute documentary also focuses on the staff at Salisbury District Hospital who battled to save the victims.

Interviewees include key members of Wilshire Police and Counter-Terrorism chief, Sir Mark Rowley, who was tasked with bringing those behind the attack to justice.

Tracy Daszkiewicz, local Director of Public Health at the time, describes the challenge of tracking the movements of the Skripals and locking down contaminated areas of the city. Local eyewitnesses give first-hand testimony whilst in Russia, Sergei Skripals’ niece speaks out.

Netflix boost for BBC drama

Meanwhile the BBC fact based drama released last year is now on Netflix.

The three episode programme called 'The Salisbury Poisonings' focuses on the impact the 2018 poisonings had on the community.

One of the writers, Declan Lawn, revealed his delight on social media at more people seeing the programme.