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Spy murder police visit Germany Spy murder police visit Germany
(30 minutes later)
A British police officer has arrived in Hamburg after evidence of radioactive material was found in a car and two properties, German police said. A British detective has gone to Hamburg after four relatives of a Russian businessman tested positive for polonium-210, German police said.
Officials say the vehicle and homes were used by Dmitry Kovtun, a contact of the murdered ex-Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko. German officials have confirmed that Dmitry Kovtun's ex-wife, partner and two children have been contaminated with the radioactive substance.
Mr Kovtun was a contact of the murdered ex-Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko.
The Metropolitan Police would not confirm if a detective had flown to Hamburg to be briefed by German police.The Metropolitan Police would not confirm if a detective had flown to Hamburg to be briefed by German police.
Meanwhile, a second contact is thought to have met British police in Moscow.Meanwhile, a second contact is thought to have met British police in Moscow.
It has been reported that British detectives and officials from the Russian Prosecutor General's office interviewed ex-KGB bodyguard Andrei Lugovoi, who is currently in hospital.It has been reported that British detectives and officials from the Russian Prosecutor General's office interviewed ex-KGB bodyguard Andrei Lugovoi, who is currently in hospital.
Hospital treatmentHospital treatment
Reports from Germany say the car, understood to be used by Mr Kovtun, had tested positive for the radioactive substance polonium-210. Reports from Germany say a car, understood to be used by Mr Kovtun, had tested positive for the radioactive substance polonium-210.
Traces of radiation were also discovered in his ex-wife's Hamburg flat and the home of Mr Kovtun's former mother-in-law in the town of Haselau, west of HamburgTraces of radiation were also discovered in his ex-wife's Hamburg flat and the home of Mr Kovtun's former mother-in-law in the town of Haselau, west of Hamburg
Hamburg police said that could be a sign that a source of radiation had been there.Hamburg police said that could be a sign that a source of radiation had been there.
The discovery followed reports that Mr Kovtun had spent four days in Hamburg before flying to London, where he met Mr Litvinenko last month.The discovery followed reports that Mr Kovtun had spent four days in Hamburg before flying to London, where he met Mr Litvinenko last month.
Mr Kovtun is reportedly being treated in hospital in Moscow for radiation poisoning.Mr Kovtun is reportedly being treated in hospital in Moscow for radiation poisoning.
Both the UK and Russia are investigating the ex-spy's deathBoth the UK and Russia are investigating the ex-spy's death
Meanwhile, friends of Mr Litvinenko have said they are unlikely to help Moscow's inquiry into Mr Litvinenko's death.Meanwhile, friends of Mr Litvinenko have said they are unlikely to help Moscow's inquiry into Mr Litvinenko's death.
Alex Goldfarb said they did not "trust" a Russian investigation and would help only if they were given assurances by British authorities about their safety.Alex Goldfarb said they did not "trust" a Russian investigation and would help only if they were given assurances by British authorities about their safety.
His comments came as it emerged that Russian investigators are to travel to London to question witnesses.His comments came as it emerged that Russian investigators are to travel to London to question witnesses.
Mr Litvinenko's widow earlier said she would not assist the Russian inquiry.Mr Litvinenko's widow earlier said she would not assist the Russian inquiry.
Mr Litvinenko, 43, died in a London hospital on 23 November - it is suspected he was poisoned by polonium-210.Mr Litvinenko, 43, died in a London hospital on 23 November - it is suspected he was poisoned by polonium-210.
Friends of Mr Litvinenko believe he was poisoned because of his criticisms of the Russian government since defecting to the UK, but the Kremlin has dismissed suggestions it was involved in any way.Friends of Mr Litvinenko believe he was poisoned because of his criticisms of the Russian government since defecting to the UK, but the Kremlin has dismissed suggestions it was involved in any way.
Russia's foreign intelligence service has also issued a statement denying any involvement.Russia's foreign intelligence service has also issued a statement denying any involvement.