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Ex-spy's condition deteriorates Ex-spy's condition deteriorates
(about 1 hour later)
There has been a "major deterioration" in the condition of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, doctors said.There has been a "major deterioration" in the condition of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, doctors said.
Mr Litvinenko, 43, is now in a "very serious" condition in intensive care at University College Hospital in London.Mr Litvinenko, 43, is now in a "very serious" condition in intensive care at University College Hospital in London.
His friend Alex Goldfarb was told by doctors that objects spotted on his X-rays were "dark shadows" that they were not concerned about. Earlier, it emerged that X-rays had revealed three "objects" apparently in his system, but a friend said these were shadows of no medical concern.
Police, who have said they suspected "deliberate poisoning", said there had been no significant developments.Police, who have said they suspected "deliberate poisoning", said there had been no significant developments.
Unusual objectsUnusual objects
Mr Goldfarb said: "I have seen Alexander through the window, he is heavily sedated, and he is on a ventilator because overnight he went into a heart failure, although the doctor said that his heart is not damaged. Mr Litvinenko's friend Alex Goldfarb said: "I have seen Alexander through the window, he is heavily sedated, and he is on a ventilator because overnight he went into a heart failure, although the doctor said that his heart is not damaged.
"The situation could get better but his chances are obviously decreased now because while he is on this ventilator machine it would be much more difficult to speak about his bone marrow transplant which until today was a major problem for the doctors.""The situation could get better but his chances are obviously decreased now because while he is on this ventilator machine it would be much more difficult to speak about his bone marrow transplant which until today was a major problem for the doctors."
HAVE YOUR SAY I seriously don't think this incident will affect UK-Russia relations at all Alicia, Sydney Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY I seriously don't think this incident will affect UK-Russia relations at all Alicia, Sydney Send us your comments
Earlier a hospital source told the BBC that X-rays had shown up three unusual objects of dense matter in his intestines that he apparently swallowed.Earlier a hospital source told the BBC that X-rays had shown up three unusual objects of dense matter in his intestines that he apparently swallowed.
Mr Goldfarb said: "The reporting that it was objects and foreign bodies that he had swallowed are totally baseless at this point." But Mr Goldfarb said: "The reporting that it was objects and foreign bodies that he had swallowed are totally baseless at this point."
The hospital said Mr Litvinenko was in intensive care in order to receive cardiac monitoring and nutrition and pain relief support.The hospital said Mr Litvinenko was in intensive care in order to receive cardiac monitoring and nutrition and pain relief support.
"He can also be more effectively isolated to protect him against infection following the damage to his immune system," a statement said."He can also be more effectively isolated to protect him against infection following the damage to his immune system," a statement said.
"Our investigations into the cause of his condition continue and we are not willing to make any further statement on this until we have more concrete information.""Our investigations into the cause of his condition continue and we are not willing to make any further statement on this until we have more concrete information."
Putin criticismPutin criticism
Mr Litvinenko fled to the UK in 2000, claiming persecution in Russia, and was granted asylum. He is understood to have taken British citizenship this year.Mr Litvinenko fled to the UK in 2000, claiming persecution in Russia, and was granted asylum. He is understood to have taken British citizenship this year.
Initial reports said Mr Litvinenko was poisoned with the heavy metal thallium, although medical opinion has not been conclusive and the theory that some form of radioactive material was used has also been suggested.Initial reports said Mr Litvinenko was poisoned with the heavy metal thallium, although medical opinion has not been conclusive and the theory that some form of radioactive material was used has also been suggested.
Friends of Mr Litvinenko claim he was poisoned in London earlier this month because of his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.Friends of Mr Litvinenko claim he was poisoned in London earlier this month because of his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Both the Kremlin and Russia's foreign intelligence service, the SVR, have denied any part in poisoning Mr Litvinenko, who is a former security agent with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).Both the Kremlin and Russia's foreign intelligence service, the SVR, have denied any part in poisoning Mr Litvinenko, who is a former security agent with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).