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Sergei Skripal poisoning: Expelled Russian diplomats leave UK as Theresa May promises tighter checks at borders in spy row

Twenty-three expelled Russian diplomats have left the UK asTheresa Maypromised stricter border checks on those whose "activities threaten the security of the Britain and its allies".

Former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, remain in a critical condition after being poisoned in Salisbury on March 4.

On March 14, the Prime Minister gave the 23 diplomats - whom she said were undeclared intelligence agents - a week to leave Britain.

Russia responded by expelling the same number of British diplomats, who are expected to leave in the coming days.

Russian diplomats and family members leave from the Russian Embassy in central London (EPA)
Russian diplomats and family members leave from the Russian Embassy in central London (EPA)

Diplomats and their families emerged from the Russian Embassy in west London with suitcases, bags and pet carriers.

Some hugged before boarding vehicles to Stansted Airport near London for a flight to Moscow that departed Tuesday afternoon.

Spy row: An aircraft sent to collect diplomats and their families from Russia's embassy in London (REUTERS)
Spy row: An aircraft sent to collect diplomats and their families from Russia's embassy in London (REUTERS)

Russia has fiercely denied any involvement, saying that it had no motive to kill Skripal, who was convicted of spying for Britain but released in a 2010 spy swap.

People carriers seen leaving the Russian embassy in London (PA Wire/PA Images)
People carriers seen leaving the Russian embassy in London (PA Wire/PA Images)

It said that it had completed the destruction of its chemical arsenals last year under international oversight.

Following a meeting of the National Security Council, a spokesman for the PM said: "Action has also been taken at the UK's border to enhance our efforts to monitor and track the intentions of those travelling to the UK who could be engaged in activity that threatens the security of the UK and of our allies.

"This includes strict checks by border officials on private flights."

Adults and children board an aicraft sent to collect diplomats and their families (REUTERS)
Adults and children board an aicraft sent to collect diplomats and their families (REUTERS)

Mr Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter Yulia remain in a critical condition in hospital after being found slumped on bench in the Wiltshire city on March 4.

The pair had previously visited the Mill pub and dined at a Zizzi restaurant before they were discovered unconscious by police after reportedly being attacked by nerve agent.

British authorities confirmed they were poisoned by a deadly nerve agent called Novichok.

Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey who was also injured in the attack after rushing to help the victims is no longer in a critical condition NHS England has said.

Additional reporting by the Press Association