Poisoned ex-spy improving rapidly: UK hospital

April 06, 2018 20:31

Former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal is responding well to treatment, improving rapidly and no longer in a critical condition, hospital officials said today.

Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, have been in hospital since they were found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury on March 4 after a deadly nerve agent attack.

"He is responding well to treatment, improving rapidly and is no longer in a critical condition," said Dr Christine Blanshard, medical director at the Salisbury District Hospital.

Yesterday, Yulia issued a statement from the hospital to say her "strength is growing daily".

About Yulia's condition, the doctor said, "Last Thursday, I informed you that Yulia Skripal's condition had improved to stable. As Yulia herself says, her strength is growing daily and she can look forward to the day when she is well enough to leave the hospital."

"Any speculation on when that date will be just that speculation. In the meantime, Yulia has asked for privacy while she continues to get better - something I'd like to urge the media to respect," she said.

Meanwhile, the UK government has confirmed that two guinea pigs were found dead at the home of Skripal.

The UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs also said that a cat found in a distressed state at the house in Salisbury was put down by a vet.

The confirmation came yesterday amid concerns raised by Russia over the welfare of Sergei Skripal's pets as Moscow continued to deny any involvement in the attack.

-- PTI

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