Novichok victim's boyfriend claims she 'sprayed nerve agent disguised in perfume bottle' on both wrists

The boyfriend of Novichok victim Dawn Sturgess claims that the nerve agent that killed her was in a perfume bottle which she then sprayed onto her wrists.

A murder probe was launched following the death of 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess who was exposed to the same nerve agent used in an attack against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

Charlie Rowley, the boyfriend of Ms Sturgess, also collapsed after being exposed to the nerve agent and is still seriously ill in hospital.

His brother told the MailOnline that he had spoken with Mr Rowley and he recalled "that Dawn sprayed the perfume on both her wrists."

"He also mentioned that he vaguely recollects there being an odd ammonia-type smell from the perfume."

Mr Rowley said his brother does not remember where they picked up the bottle of perfume as his memory has been affected by the incident.

He is currently only able to speak in small sentences, his brother said.

Mr Rowley said: "When I spoke to him yesterday he was shouting 'they've killed my girlfriend, they've killed my girlfriend."

Following the death of Ms Sturgess, Prime Minister Theresa May said she was "appalled and shocked" by her death.

Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, the head of UK counter terror policing, described Ms Sturgess’s death as “shocking and tragic news” and said the force’s thoughts were with the families of both victims.

He added: “This terrible news has only served to strengthen our resolve to identify and bring to justice the person or persons responsible for what I can only describe as an outrageous, reckless and barbaric act."

Dr Christine Blanshard, from Salisbury District Hospital where Ms Sturgess was treated, described her death as “desperately sad” and sent her condolences to the family.

He added: “The staff here at Salisbury District Hospital worked tirelessly to save Dawn.

“Our staff are talented, dedicated and professional and I know today they will be hurting too. They did everything they could.”

According to Public Health England, the risk to the public remains relatively low however locals have been urged not to pick up any strange items such as needles, syringes or unusual conainers."