The Government has handed over £1.6m to Wiltshire Police following the attack on former Soviet spy Sergei Skirpal and his daughter.

The grant covers costs incurred by the force during the major counter-terror operation in the wake of the Novichok attack.

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson welcomed the special grant. He said: “It was important that these additional costs were not of detriment to the residents of Wiltshire and the government’s initial special grant funding of £1.6 million is very welcome to ensure that this will not be the case.

“Salisbury has been drawn into an international debate and it’s important that they are not left shouldering the weight on behalf of the country.

“Wiltshire Police continues to do an outstanding job in extraordinary circumstances and we have received excellent support from around 20 other forces offering mutual aid.

“The commitment of our officers, staff and volunteers has been unfaltering and I continue to be amazed by their dedication and commitment in supporting this operation.

“This has been costly, and I’m in no doubt that it will continue to be but I’m confident that the government will continue to support us to ensure that policing in our county is unaffected.”