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Police probe Russian spy's death Radiation tests after spy death
(about 2 hours later)
Counter-terrorism police investigating the death of Russian ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko are examining hours of CCTV footage as they bid to crack the case. Tests are set to be carried out on members of the public who may have come into contact with Russian ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko.
Detectives are also trying to trace anyone he met around the time he fell ill on 1 November in London. His death has been linked to the presence of a "major dose" of radioactive polonium-210 in his body.
The officers have also asked the Kremlin for help, despite Russia denying any involvement in the death. Radioactive traces were found at a hotel and sushi bar he visited on 1 November. Tests are on offer for those who may have been in contact with him.
The ex-spy's death has been linked to the presence of a "major dose" of radioactive polonium-210 in his body. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the risk to customers was low.
Scotland Yard confirmed radioactive traces were also found at Mr Litvinenko's home, a sushi bar and a hotel, but the risk to others was said to be very low. Anyone who was in the Itsu restaurant, or who was in the Pine Bar of the Millennium Hotel on 1 November has been urged to contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
The Home Office said anybody concerned should contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647, who have been briefed about this issue. An HPA spokeswoman said: "We expect that we are going to do tests and we expect that they are going to be negative and we have no reason to think customers are at risk."
No post-mortem examination yet on Mr Litvinenko
Meanwhile, chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson has issued advice to GPs and hospitals on the risks and clinical implications of exposure to Polonium-210.
The government's civil contingencies, Cobra, has met to discuss the case.
BBC home affairs correspondent Andy Tighe said various sites are being regarded as crime scenes.BBC home affairs correspondent Andy Tighe said various sites are being regarded as crime scenes.
Officers are also interviewing witnesses in an attempt to find out who Mr Litvinenko met around the time he fell ill.Officers are also interviewing witnesses in an attempt to find out who Mr Litvinenko met around the time he fell ill.
Tests are also being carried out at the two London hospitals where Mr Litvinenko had been treated, University College and the Barnet General, the Health Protection Agency said.Tests are also being carried out at the two London hospitals where Mr Litvinenko had been treated, University College and the Barnet General, the Health Protection Agency said.
A post-mortem examination on Mr Litvinenko has not yet been held.A post-mortem examination on Mr Litvinenko has not yet been held.
The delay is believed to be over concerns about the health implications for those present at the examination.The delay is believed to be over concerns about the health implications for those present at the examination.
Officers are examining material taken various scenes
Medical experts had previously expressed differing opinions over substances that could have possibly led to his death.Medical experts had previously expressed differing opinions over substances that could have possibly led to his death.
Initial reports that he was given the heavy metal thallium gave way to other theories including radiation poisoning.Initial reports that he was given the heavy metal thallium gave way to other theories including radiation poisoning.
Meanwhile, the government's civil contingencies committee Cobra has met to discuss the case.
POLONIUM-210 a highly radioactive and toxic elementpresent in foods in low dosessmall amounts created naturally in the bodycan be manufactured using the bombardment of neutronshas industrial uses such as in anti-static devicesvery dangerous if significant dose ingestedexternal exposure not a risk, only if ingestedpresent in tobacco 'No radiation risk' to public What is polonium-210? Send us your comments
Friends have said Mr Litvinenko was poisoned because of his criticism of Russia.Friends have said Mr Litvinenko was poisoned because of his criticism of Russia.
Police searches are taking place at Mr Litvinenko's house in north London and other places he had been. Police searches are taking place at Mr Litvinenko's house in north London, where radioactive traces were discovered, and other places he had been.
LITVINENKO TIMELINE 1 Nov - Alexander Litvinenko meets two Russian men at a London hotel and then meets Italian academic Mario Scaramella at a sushi bar in Piccadilly. Hours later he falls ill and is admitted to Barnet General Hospital17 Nov - Mr Litvinenko is transferred to UCH19 Nov - Reports say Mr Litvinenko is poisoned with thallium21 Nov - A toxicologist says he may have been poisoned with "radioactive thallium"22 Nov - Mr Litvinenko's condition deteriorates overnight. Thallium and radiation ruled out 23 Nov - The ex-spy dies in intensive care Litvinenko statement in full Reaction: Russian's death Timeline of case in full
In a statement dictated before he died at University College Hospital on Thursday, the 43-year-old accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of involvement in his death.In a statement dictated before he died at University College Hospital on Thursday, the 43-year-old accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of involvement in his death.
Mr Litvinenko had recently been investigating the murder of his friend, Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, another critic of the Putin government.Mr Litvinenko had recently been investigating the murder of his friend, Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, another critic of the Putin government.
Mr Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated the Kremlin's earlier dismissal of allegations of involvement in the poisoning as "sheer nonsense".Mr Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated the Kremlin's earlier dismissal of allegations of involvement in the poisoning as "sheer nonsense".
LITVINENKO TIMELINE 1 Nov - Alexander Litvinenko meets two Russian men at a London hotel and then meets Italian academic Mario Scaramella at a sushi bar in Piccadilly. Hours later he falls ill and is admitted to Barnet General Hospital17 Nov - Mr Litvinenko is transferred to UCH19 Nov - Reports say Mr Litvinenko is poisoned with thallium21 Nov - A toxicologist says he may have been poisoned with "radioactive thallium"22 Nov - Mr Litvinenko's condition deteriorates overnight. Thallium and radiation ruled out 23 Nov - The ex-spy dies in intensive care Litvinenko statement in full Reaction: Russian's death Timeline of case in full
Mr Putin himself has said Mr Litvinenko's death was a tragedy, but he saw no "definitive proof" it was a "violent death".Mr Putin himself has said Mr Litvinenko's death was a tragedy, but he saw no "definitive proof" it was a "violent death".
Police have been examining two meetings Mr Litvinenko had on 1 November - one at a London hotel with a former KGB agent and another man, and a rendezvous with Italian security consultant Mario Scaramella, at a sushi restaurant in London's West End.Police have been examining two meetings Mr Litvinenko had on 1 November - one at a London hotel with a former KGB agent and another man, and a rendezvous with Italian security consultant Mario Scaramella, at a sushi restaurant in London's West End.
Mr Litvinenko, who was granted asylum in the UK in 2000 after complaining of persecution in Russia, fell ill later that day.Mr Litvinenko, who was granted asylum in the UK in 2000 after complaining of persecution in Russia, fell ill later that day.
In an interview with Friday's Daily Telegraph, former KGB bodyguard Andrei Lugovoi said he had met Mr Litvinenko at the Millennium Hotel in Grosvenor Square but vigorously denied any involvement in the poisoning.
Mr Scaramella, who is involved in an Italian parliamentary inquiry into Russian secret service activity, said they met because he wanted to discuss an e-mail he had received.