Chemical security

Ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal's home is declared safe enough for him to sell following a huge clean-up operation 18 months after Novichok was smeared across his letterbox

The home of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal has finally been declared safe enough for him to sell 18 months after Novichok was posted through his letterbox.

Ex-double agent Sergei Skripal, 68, was left in a critical condition when his Salisbury home was contaminated with nerve agent on March 4 last year. 

He and his daughter, then 33, were poisoned in a suspected attack by Russian spies. 

But a year and a half later the house in Wiltshire has been decontaminated and refurbished ready for it to be put up for sale. 

It is believed Mr Skripal, who was moved to a secret hideout following the attacks, has been advised not to return for security reasons. 

Council officials say he could sell it to them or put the property up for sale privately.