THE MURDER of a Wiltshire mum who died after being poisoned by Novichok has horrified and appalled police chiefs.

Dawn Sturgess, 44, died at Salisbury District Hospital on Sunday evening.

The Durrington mother was admitted to hospital on Saturday, June 30. Tests at government laboratory Porton Down established she and partner Charlie Rowley had been poisoned with nerve agent Novichok, the same substance that put former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and daughter Yulia in hospital in March.

Counter-terrorism detectives leading the enquiry announced on Sunday night they had launched a murder probe.

Wiltshire police chiefs have reacted with shock to news of Ms Sturgess’ death

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "Ms Sturgess was an innocent member of the public who should have been able to go about her daily life without becoming an unwilling victim in such an unprecedented, international, incident.

"I am horrified and appalled that an illegal and lethal nerve agent has used on the streets of our county. And while the city of Salisbury has bounced back so resiliently, it saddens me greatly that Ms Sturgess, and now her family, are bearing the devastating impact of this incident.

"Officers involved in the ongoing police investigation, led by Counter Terrorism Policing and supported by Wiltshire Police, are doing all that they can to find the source of this contamination, and to find out who was responsible.

“Foremost in my thoughts are the family and friends of Dawn Sturgess at this terribly sad and difficult time. I send my condolences to them as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened over the last number of days.”

Kier Pritchard, Wiltshire Police’s chief constable, said: "I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering they must be feeling, coupled with all the questions they need answers to.

"I know this news will affect more people than just those who knew Dawn - it will affect our communities right across the county. Understandably, this is likely to raise the level of concern in Amesbury and Salisbury.

"I would like to remind our communities that this tragic development has not changed the Public Health England advice, which is that the risk to the wider public remains low. This is being kept under constant review as further information becomes known.

"I would urge anyone in either Amesbury or Salisbury who have questions, following today's sad news, to speak to one of our officers out and about in the community. If they cannot answer your questions, they should be able to direct you to the most appropriate organisation who can.

"Our helplines are also open - please call us if you have any concerns. The numbers are 0800 0920 410 or 0207 158 0124.”