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Spy murder police visit Germany Polonium infects four in Germany
(20 minutes later)
A British detective has gone to Hamburg after four relatives of a Russian businessman tested positive for polonium-210, German police said. Police in Germany say four people have been contaminated with polonium-210, the substance used to poison the former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko.
German officials have confirmed that Dmitry Kovtun's ex-wife, partner and two children have been contaminated with the radioactive substance. German officials have confirmed that Dmitry Kovtun's ex-wife, her partner and two children have been contaminated with the radioactive substance.
Mr Kovtun was a contact of the murdered ex-Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko. Mr Kovtun met Mr Litvinenko in a London hotel the day the former spy fell ill.
The Metropolitan Police would not confirm if a detective had flown to Hamburg to be briefed by German police. Meanwhile, a British detective has arrived in Hamburg to be briefed on the investigation by German police.
Meanwhile, a second contact is thought to have met British police in Moscow. And a second contact is thought to have met British police in Moscow.
It has been reported that British detectives and officials from the Russian Prosecutor General's office interviewed ex-KGB bodyguard Andrei Lugovoi, who is currently in hospital.It has been reported that British detectives and officials from the Russian Prosecutor General's office interviewed ex-KGB bodyguard Andrei Lugovoi, who is currently in hospital.
Hospital treatment Polonium traces
Reports from Germany say a car, understood to be used by Mr Kovtun, had tested positive for the radioactive substance polonium-210. A car, understood to be used by Mr Kovtun, has tested positive for the radioactive substance polonium-210.
Traces of radiation were also discovered in his ex-wife's Hamburg flat and the home of Mr Kovtun's former mother-in-law in the town of Haselau, west of Hamburg Traces were also discovered in his ex-wife's Hamburg flat and the home of Mr Kovtun's former mother-in-law in the town of Haselau, west of Hamburg
Hamburg police said that could be a sign that a source of radiation had been there. German authorities say Mr Kovtun arrived in Hamburg on 28 October, and stayed at his ex-wife's flat before flying to London.
The discovery followed reports that Mr Kovtun had spent four days in Hamburg before flying to London, where he met Mr Litvinenko last month. He met Mr Litvinenko at a hotel in London on 1 November.
Mr Kovtun is reportedly being treated in hospital in Moscow for radiation poisoning. Hamburg police say it is not yet clear whether Mr Kovtun is a victim or a suspect in the case.
The former KGB bodyguard is understood to be having treatment for radiation poisoning at a hospital in Moscow.
Both the UK and Russia are investigating the ex-spy's deathBoth the UK and Russia are investigating the ex-spy's death
Meanwhile, friends of Mr Litvinenko have said they are unlikely to help Moscow's inquiry into Mr Litvinenko's death.Meanwhile, friends of Mr Litvinenko have said they are unlikely to help Moscow's inquiry into Mr Litvinenko's death.
Alex Goldfarb said they did not "trust" a Russian investigation and would help only if they were given assurances by British authorities about their safety.Alex Goldfarb said they did not "trust" a Russian investigation and would help only if they were given assurances by British authorities about their safety.
His comments came as it emerged that Russian investigators are to travel to London to question witnesses.His comments came as it emerged that Russian investigators are to travel to London to question witnesses.
Mr Litvinenko's widow earlier said she would not assist the Russian inquiry.Mr Litvinenko's widow earlier said she would not assist the Russian inquiry.
Mr Litvinenko, 43, died in a London hospital on 23 November - it is suspected he was poisoned by polonium-210.Mr Litvinenko, 43, died in a London hospital on 23 November - it is suspected he was poisoned by polonium-210.
Friends of Mr Litvinenko believe he was poisoned because of his criticisms of the Russian government since defecting to the UK, but the Kremlin has dismissed suggestions it was involved in any way.Friends of Mr Litvinenko believe he was poisoned because of his criticisms of the Russian government since defecting to the UK, but the Kremlin has dismissed suggestions it was involved in any way.
Russia's foreign intelligence service has also issued a statement denying any involvement.Russia's foreign intelligence service has also issued a statement denying any involvement.