Spy’s death: radiation traces found at more sites in UK
LONDON, Nov 27: Traces of radiation have been found at several more sites in London during investigations into the death of a former KGB spy last week, British Home Secretary John Reid said on Monday.
Reid told parliament that the traces had been found at “several other premises” in addition to Alexander Litvinenko's home and a hotel and restaurant he visited on Nov 1, 2006, the day he fell ill.
Significant amounts of Polonium 210 were found in his body. Before he died, Litvinenko accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of murdering him. Russia denies any involvement.
Reid did not name the contaminated locations. Media reports cited a central London office block and an address in the capital's exclusive Mayfair district. Police declined comment.
Health officials have said Polonium 210 is dangerous only if it is swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through a wound. Reid said there was “no need for public alarm”.
But his comments deepened the mystery over how and where Litvinenko ingested the poison that caused his agonising death, causing his hair to fall out and gradually shutting down his vital organs.
The possible contamination of members of the public has heaped pressure on the government to explain what it knows about Litvinenko's death.
Some 500 people have called a hotline for health advice since Litvinenko's death, the minister said.
A spokeswoman for Britain's Health Protection Agency said three people had been referred to a clinic for radiological assessment. She declined to comment on their symptoms.—Reuters
