PCC requests support in Novichok investigation
Wiltshire’s police and crime commissioner has requested extra help to deal with the aftermath of the latest poisoning in the county.
Angus Macpherson claims a different approach to resourcing is needed given the “extraordinary” level of demand Wiltshire Police has faced since Dawn Sturgess and Charlie Rowley were exposed to the Novichok nerve agent.
Officers have been working around the clock to investigate the incident with several sites still cordoned off and increasing numbers of rest days being cancelled.
Policing and Fire Minister Nick Hurd has confirmed the police response is being reviewed to ensure wider policing duties across the region can continue as normal.
Mr Macpherson said: “I spoke with the Policing Minister Nick Hurd MP yesterday to ensure that the increased pressure on our police officers, staff and volunteers is addressed and eased as quickly as possible.
“He has reassured me that the current approach to policing cordons, in relation to the ongoing major incidents in Amesbury and Salisbury, is under review to help me ensure that policing services more widely across Wiltshire and Swindon remain unaffected.
“Wiltshire Police has received great support from almost every police force across the country since the first major incident was declared in March. Alongside the chief constable I couldn’t be more grateful for the help and support of those forces, however with more and more rest days being cancelled and annual leave requests being put on hold, we must now explore a different approach.”
Ms Sturgess died in hospital earlier this week after coming into contact with Novichok through a contaminated item.
Mr Rowley has since regained consciousness and has spoken briefly with detectives investigating the incident.
Several other people have been examined in hospital for potential Novichok poisoning, including a police officer, but none presented with any symptoms.
Two vehicles were recently removed from around Wiltshire to be tested for traces of the substance.
One car was collected from an Air Ambulance base in Semington while a second was taken from Monkton Park in Chippenham.
An Air Ambulance spokesperson said: “The public should not be alarmed by this and there is no risk to any visitors to the site.
“We want to make it clear that there is no cordon in place and once the vehicle has been removed, police will leave the scene and it will be open to the public as normal.”