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Inquest due into ex-spy's death Inquest due into ex-spy's death
(about 5 hours later)
An inquest is due to be opened this week into the death of former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko, which has been linked to radioactive poisoning.An inquest is due to be opened this week into the death of former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko, which has been linked to radioactive poisoning.
A post-mortem examination has been delayed while an assessment is made of any special precautions necessary.A post-mortem examination has been delayed while an assessment is made of any special precautions necessary.
The death on 23 November is being treated by police as "suspicious".
Russia's ambassador in London has been asked to provide any information which could help the UK police investigation.Russia's ambassador in London has been asked to provide any information which could help the UK police investigation.
The former agent's death has been linked to the presence of a "major dose" of radioactive polonium-210 in his body. The Northern Ireland Secretary said "murky murders" cast a shadow over Russian President Putin's achievements.
The Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain has told BBC News that "murky murders" had cast a shadow over Russian President Vladimir Putin's achievements in Russia.
HPA ADVICE Anyone at Itsu or the Pine Bar on 1 November should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647They will be asked a series of questions and may then be asked to take a urine test Timeline of case in fullHPA ADVICE Anyone at Itsu or the Pine Bar on 1 November should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647They will be asked a series of questions and may then be asked to take a urine test Timeline of case in full
He said Mr Putin's success "must be balanced against the fact that there have been huge attacks on individual liberty and on democracy and it's important that he retakes the democratic view". Peter Hain said Mr Putin's success "must be balanced against the fact that there have been huge attacks on individual liberty and on democracy and it's important that he retakes the democratic view".
Mr Litvinenko had been investigating the murder of a prominent Russian journalist, Anna Politkovskaya, before he fell fatally ill.Mr Litvinenko had been investigating the murder of a prominent Russian journalist, Anna Politkovskaya, before he fell fatally ill.
The former agent's death on 23 November has been linked to the presence of a "major dose" of radioactive polonium-210 in his body.
Radioactive traces were found at the Itsu restaurant in Piccadilly and the Millennium Hotel's Pine Bar, both visited by the Russian ex-spy, and decontamination work has begun.Radioactive traces were found at the Itsu restaurant in Piccadilly and the Millennium Hotel's Pine Bar, both visited by the Russian ex-spy, and decontamination work has begun.
Public concern
Results are expected later this week for tests carried out on people who may have come into contact with Mr Litvinenko.Results are expected later this week for tests carried out on people who may have come into contact with Mr Litvinenko.
Hundreds of people called the NHS Direct hotline following Mr Litvinenko's death and a number were asked to submit urine samples for analysis, some of which have now been received.Hundreds of people called the NHS Direct hotline following Mr Litvinenko's death and a number were asked to submit urine samples for analysis, some of which have now been received.
HAVE YOUR SAY Why did it take so long to establish that Mr Litvinenko was poisoned with a radioactive substance? Amanda, London Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY Why did it take so long to establish that Mr Litvinenko was poisoned with a radioactive substance? Amanda, London Send us your comments
The Health Protection Agency has urged anyone else who visited the same London hotel or sushi bar on 1 November, when he met his contacts, to get in touch.The Health Protection Agency has urged anyone else who visited the same London hotel or sushi bar on 1 November, when he met his contacts, to get in touch.
But it added the risk to the public of exposure was low.But it added the risk to the public of exposure was low.
Friends have said Mr Litvinenko was poisoned because of his criticism of Russia. The death is being treated by police as "suspicious" and friends have said Mr Litvinenko was poisoned because of his criticism of Russia.
In a statement dictated before he died at University College Hospital on Thursday, the 43-year-old accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of involvement in his death. He was known to be a fierce critic of him.In a statement dictated before he died at University College Hospital on Thursday, the 43-year-old accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of involvement in his death. He was known to be a fierce critic of him.
Mr Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated the Kremlin's earlier dismissal of allegations of involvement in the poisoning as "sheer nonsense".Mr Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated the Kremlin's earlier dismissal of allegations of involvement in the poisoning as "sheer nonsense".
The president himself has said Mr Litvinenko's death was a tragedy, but he saw no "definitive proof" it was a "violent death".The president himself has said Mr Litvinenko's death was a tragedy, but he saw no "definitive proof" it was a "violent death".
Meanwhile, the Conservatives are to call for a Commons statement on Mr Litvinenko's death.Meanwhile, the Conservatives are to call for a Commons statement on Mr Litvinenko's death.
Shadow home secretary David Davis intends to raise the matter when MPs return to Westminster on Monday.Shadow home secretary David Davis intends to raise the matter when MPs return to Westminster on Monday.