WILTSHIRE Chief Constable Kier Pritchard has welcomed the announcement that his force is to get £1.6m special funding to help with the cost of the Russian spy poisoning in Salisbury.

The extra cash was announced by the Government today, along with a £2.5m package to help the area recover and boost tourism.

He said: This major investigation has been unprecedented - hundreds of specialist officers, including forensic experts and intelligence officers, are deployed on to this investigation, working around the clock.

“This money is essential to ensure that we are able to continue to provide our normal policing services to the communities in Wiltshire and Swindon moving forwards."

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus MacPherson made the funding request in last week. He said: “The fact that they have responded so promptly shows that they have recognised the impact this has had on Wiltshire Police.

“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.

“I am also very pleased that Policing Minister, Nick Hurd MP has recognised the ongoing costs of this operation to the force and that this funding grant will be revaluated once these costs are clearer.

“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.”

He added 20 forces were providing mutual aid and he paid tribute to the commitment shown by officers, staff and volunteers.