WILTSHIRE Police's chief constable and PCC welcomed the identification of the third Novichok attack suspect.

Kier Pritchard reacted to the news of Sergey Fedotov, also known as Denis Sergeev, being charged with attempted murder, GBH and use of a chemical weapon amongst other offences.

He said: “I welcome the significant news today from the Counter Terrorism Policing Network regarding the identification of a further suspect in relation to the ongoing investigation in to the Salisbury Novichok attack.

"Furthermore, I also welcome the news from the CPS that sufficient evidence has been secured to bring charges against this third individual.

“I know this announcement by the CT Policing network today will affect many people – the victims, their families and the communities of Salisbury and Amesbury.

"These shocking incidents had a significant impact on all involved and my thoughts, and those of Wiltshire Police, remain with Sergei and Yulia Skripal, Charlie Rowley, the family of Dawn Sturgess, who tragically died, and former Wiltshire Police Detective Sergeant, Nick Bailey.

“The Counter Terrorism Policing Network investigation team continues to work tirelessly to seek to bring those responsible to justice and Wiltshire Police will continue to offer our full and ongoing support in this investigation.

“I would urge anyone with any information following the appeal made today to contact the Counter Terrorism hotline on 0800 789 321 or email the investigation team at Salisbury2018@met.police.uk.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “My thoughts, and those of my office, remain with Dawn Sturgess' family and friends, alongside the other victims who have had their lives devastated by this incident.

"While today's announcement is important, it is vital we remember a member of our community was killed and others left changed and traumatised by the barbaric use of a nerve agent on UK soil.

"Our community has rebuilt, and those other victims are coming to terms with the long-lasting implications, so my hope now is the perpetrators will have their appalling crimes levelled against them and all of the victims will see justice served in their names.

"I am democratically elected to hold our police force to account, it would be widely welcomed if some foreign security services demonstrated that same accountability."