Salisbury poisoned spy probe 'one of largest and most complex investigations undertaken' by British counter terrorism cops
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Investigators say the probe into the Salisbury spy poisoning is one of the 'largest and most complex' ever carried out by British counter terrorism cops.
Around 400 witnesses have so far given statements, and officers are trawling through 4,000 hours of CCTV in the search for vital clues.
Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia remain in a critical condition after they were poisoned with a nerve agent in the Wiltshire city two weeks ago.
The Metropolitan Police, which is leading the investigation, said 250 counter terrorism officers are working around the clock, supported by a "full range" of experts.
(Image: Daily Mirror)
(Image: Daily Mirror)
A statement from the force said: "This is one of the largest and most complex investigations undertaken by British counter terrorism policing and we thank the public for their continued support.
"The investigation is highly like to take many months and, where it is operationally possible, updates will be issued to the media."
Around 800 exhibits have been seized, and police will interview more possible witnesses in the coming days.
The statement continued: "Searches are ongoing in the Salisbury area and at this stage it is not possible to put a timescale on how long these may take to conclude.
(Image: Chris J Ratcliffe)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
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"Specialist search officers wearing protective equipment continue to carry out a meticulous, systematic search for evidence to support the investigation.
"That search is being carried out based on expert scientific advice to assist detectives in understanding the specific locations that are of most relevance to their lines of enquiry."
The probe was described as "an extremely challenging investigation" with officers faced with a number of "unique and difficult" issues.
It comes as a top aide to Vladimir Putin today thanked Britain for "helping" him win a landslide victory as President.
Andrei Kondrashov boasted the diplomatic war over a nerve agent attack had raised the pressure "exactly when we needed" it ahead of yesterday's Russian elections.
(Image: AFP)
(Image: Internet Unknown)
(Image: AFP)
The campaign spokesman hit out as Putin won a six-year term that is set to make him the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has accused Russia of a "haystack of lies" over the attack.
And the EU issued a hard-hitting statement this morning giving "unqualified solidarity" with the UK against the "reckless and illegal act".
But Mr Kondrashov told Ruptly, owned by state-funded Russian broadcaster RT: "We were preparing for a little more than 50%, hoping for 60% [turnout].
"Now the number of people who voted is higher than we expected, around 8-10% higher.
"I can tell you that we have to thank Great Britain for this.
(Image: Getty)
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"They have miscalculated Russian mentality, again.
"They have started to put pressure on us exactly when we needed to increase mobilisation.
"This is because each time when Russia is blamed with no proof and they scare us with sanctions, all the Russian people do is to unite around the centre of power.
"The center of power is, of course, Putin. So thank you, Great Britain, for raising the percentage of voters so unexpectedly high."