Salisbury marking 5 years since novichok incident
The nerve agent attack happened this weekend in 2018
Salisbury is marking five years this weekend since the novichok incident, with a special church service.
St Thomas' will host it this morning (Sunday 5th March) from 10.15am, to coincide with the annual Charter Service for the city.
Rsidents are welcome to go along, or watch a livestream.
Salisbury City Council say the service will be an 'opportunity for remembrance and reflection on those events that happened in 2018'.
They want us to 'focus on how the city has grown together, got stronger, and has progressed on from the many incidents it has encountered over the years'.
What happened?
Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, were exposed to the nerve agent novichok at Mr Skripal's house in Christie Miller Road on 4th March 2018.
They visited the city centre, including the Bishop's Mill pub and Zizzi restaurant before falling ill on a bench in The Maltings.
Wiltshire Police officer, Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey was also exposed to the substance, from touching the door handle of the Skripal house during investigations.
They all received intensive care treatment at Salisbury District Hospital and all survived.
Four months later, in July 2018, a perfume bottle containing novichok was found in Salisbury by Charlie Rowley and taken to his flat in Muggleton Road, Amesbury.
He gave it to his girlfriend, Dawn Strugess, who sprayed it onto herself, exposing her to the dangerous nerve agent.
Both Dawn and Charlie were also treated at SDH, but Dawn passed away there.
Salisbury's MP John Glen says it was a worrying time, but the city showed real resilience:
"For the disruption to the everyday lives of the people of Salisbury, it was really really challenging. We didn't know what was happening and how it was going to be resolved. I'm glad it's behind us but it will obviously be part of the memory of Salisbury for many years to come.
"The people of Salisbury took it in their stride, and it was very difficult, but we came through it. I was always very proud of the work done by so many agencies and of course the volunteers that helped the city at that time."
Among those present and speaking at today's service will be the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, and representatives of public health, local authority and army.
The Bishop of Salisbury, Bishop Stephen Lake will be preaching.
The Rector of St Thomas's, Canon Kelvin Inglis, said:
"It was a challenging time for the city those five years ago. We faced an unprecedented threat to our well-being. Local people and professionals alike rose to the occasion magnificently. We showed the world that adversity brings out the best in us. Salisbury continues to be a beautiful and resilient city with a heart for those in need."
Bishop Stephen, who arrived in Salisbury last year, said:
"The last five years have been challenging for everyone, in Salisbury and beyond, but we will come together this weekend to reflect on the practical and spiritual resilience people here showed, and to thank God for it. We will also commit our future into God's hands, and pray for those whose lives were changed by the events of five years ago."
A public inquiry into the events of five years ago is expected to continue later this year.
Two Russian ex-KGB agents, Anatoliy Chepiga and Alexander Mishkin, have been named as suspects in the incident, with Denis Sergeev thought to be their 'on-the-ground' commander.
The traditional Charter Service itself celebrates the signing of the Salisbury Charter in 1227.
The Mayor and guests will depart in procession from the Guildhall at 10.00am, arriving at St Thomas's for the service to commence at 10.15am.