Zizzi customers told to wash possessions after spy poisoning

Public Health England (PHE) has issued “precautionary advice” after former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found on a bench in the Wiltshire city.

Traces of a nerve agent were discovered at The Mill pub and at a Zizzi restaurant, both of which the pair visited. Zizzi Salisbury remains closed as part of the ongoing police investigation.

The advice pertains to people who visited Zizzi in Salisbury between 13:30 on Sunday 4 March and closing time at 21:00 on Monday 5 March 2018.

In a statement on its website, the Italian restaurant chain wrote: “We are shocked and saddened by the events in Salisbury this past week. Our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and family, and everyone in the Salisbury community who has been affected by this attack, as well as the police and emergency services who have been working tirelessly across the last seven days.”

“The risk to the general public from this substance has not changed and remains low. The actions being advised are purely precautionary but will eliminate any possible risk.”

“Public Health England have also said that you do not need to seek advice from a health professional unless you are experiencing symptoms.”

In a statement, Dr Jenny Harries, deputy medical director at PHE said that “the immediate risk to the general public remains low and this has not changed".

Those who were in either location are being advised to wash clothing they haven’t already done so in the washing machine, wipe personal items such as phones, handbags and other electronic items with cleansing or baby wipes and dispose of the wipes in the bin.

They should also wash other items such as jewellery and spectacles that cannot go in the washing machine with warm water and detergent and rinse with clean, cold water and then wash their hands thoroughly after cleaning any items.