[ad_1]
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall are visiting Salisbury today in support of the recovery programme currently in place following the poisoning on March 4.
Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter Yulia were left fighting for their lives after being found unconscious on a park bench in the city.
They were taken to Salisbury District Hospital, where it later transpired the pair had been poisoned with military nerve agent Novichok.
Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey was also admitted to the hospital after he came in contact with the pair.
They have all since been discharged from hospital.
Why are Prince Charles and Camilla in Salisbury?
Salisbury has endured weeks of disruption while the police investigation continues.
Parts of the city were sealed off due to investigators carrying out a major decontamination programme.
The attack has had a negative impact on many businesses, as some shoppers have avoided the area over health and safety concerns.
The Maltings area of Salisbury, where the victims were found, reopened on May 26 – nearly 11 weeks after the incident.
Local leaders are now encouraging shoppers and tourists to return.
Why are Prince Charles and Camilla in Salisbury? What are they doing?
Prince Charles and Camilla will speak to businesses and people in the city centre who are helping change the public perception of the medieval town.
The pair were welcomed this morning by Wiltshire’s Lord Lieutenant Sarah Troughton, and chair of the Salisbury Recovery Group Alistair Cunningham.
The couple are due to go on a walk-about through the Market Square from 10.30am.
Alistair Cunningham, chairman of the recovery coordinating group, told ITV: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to Salisbury in support of its recovery and to help boost visitors to the centre.”
Wiltshire Police’s response to the nerve agent attack in Salisbury is predicted to cost £7.5 million, according to the force area’s police and crime commissioner.
The inquiry required 250 detectives to go through more than 5,000 hours of CCTV and interview more than 500 witnesses.
Angus Macpherson, the police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said he would be asking the Home Office to cover all costs.
The Government accused Russia of being responsible for the attack, but Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement.
[ad_2]
