Amesbury Novichok poisoning: Charlie Rowley discharged from Salisbury hospital

The second Novichok attack victim, Charlie Rowley, has been discharged from hospital.

The director of nursing Lorna Wilkinson announced that Mr Rowley was discharged from Salisbury District on Friday, days after his partner died from the poisoning.

Public Health England said Mr Rowley's release does not create a risk to the public.

Mr Rowley, 45, and his partner Dawn Sturgess, 44, collapsed in Amesbury three weeks ago after they picked up a bottle containing the nerve agent.

Ms Sturgess later died on July 8 and police subsequently launched a murder inquiry.

Ms Wilkinson said: "Charlie has been through an appalling experience most of us could never imagine.

"Today is a very welcome milestone in his recovery and all of us here at Salisbury Hospital wish him well as he continues to get better. The progress he has made is a testament to the remarkable clinical team who have worked tirelessly, supported by brilliant behind the scenes staff."

Ms Wilkinson added: "I would also like to reassure everyone that, despite many people seeking advice following these incidents, there have only ever been a total of five people who have been exposed to this nerve agent and admitted to hospital for treatment.

"In the past four and a half months, our hospital has treated all five victims while the world looked on and yet we have never closed our doors to the public.

"I would now like to ask the media to give us the space we need to carry on with doing our job - providing outstanding care for the people of Salisbury."

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard welcomed the news and paid tribute to hospital staff and emergency services for their "outstanding" care.

He said: "On behalf of all my officers, staff and volunteers, we welcome today's news that Charlie Rowley has been discharged from Salisbury District hospital. We wish him the best with his ongoing recovery.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the staff at Salisbury District Hospital for the outstanding care and compassion they have shown to everyone involved in both this incident and the incident in March.

"The last few months have had an unprecedented impact on all the local emergency services and partner agencies and the response from all has been outstanding."

Mr Pritchard added that Wiltshire Police will ensure Mr Rowley receives continued support in his "ongoing recovery".

Mr Rowley and Ms Sturgess, 44, were victims of the second nerve agent attack in four months following the case of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

They were found unconscious on a park bench in Salisbury in March.