A man and woman found unconscious in Wiltshire were exposed to Novichok – the same nerve agent that poisoned ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal, police say.
The couple, believed to be Charlie Rowley, 45, and Dawn Sturgess, 44, fell ill at a house in Amesbury on Saturday and remain in a critical condition.
Police say no-one else has presented with the same symptoms.
There was “nothing in their background” to suggest the pair were targeted, the Met Police said.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid is chairing a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee to discuss the developments.
Prime Minister Theresa May said her thoughts were with the victims and the government would provide every support to the community.
“The message from Salisbury is clear – it is very much open for business,” she added.
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