Number of people affected by the nerve agent attack far higher than first reported The number of people who sought treatment following a nerve agent attack on an ex-Russian spy and his daughter was […]

The number of people who sought treatment following a nerve agent attack on an ex-Russian spy and his daughter was actually far higher than initially reported.

Police officials updated the number to “around 21” having previously only said that “several people” had needed medical attention.

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Three people remain hospitalized following the poisoning on Sunday in the Wiltshire city of Salisbury.

They are Sergei Skripal, his 33-year-old daughter Yulia, and Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, who had tried to help them.

Critical condition

“Multiple people have been treated, around 21 people, including the man and the woman found on the bench,” Wiltshire acting police chief Kier Pritchard told Sky News, referring to Skripal and his daughter, who were found unconscious.

They remain in a critical condition.

Police haven’t provided details on the nerve agent that was used or any information in leads on the attacker.

‘Strong response’

However, Home Secretary Amber Rudd has warned of a strong response if the Russian government is found to be responsible of a “brazen and reckless act.”

She said that enormous resources were being used to determine who poisoned Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter Yulia.

“The use of a nerve agent on British soil is a brazen and reckless act,” Rudd told Parliament. “This was attempted murder in the most cruel and public way.”

The Russian Embassy in London, which has mocked other British politicians for suggesting Russian involvement, tweeted that it agreed with Rudd: “First evidence then conclusions on Mr. Skripal’s care. Responsible political approach.”

‘Dangerous and volatile’

Nerve agents are chemical compounds that block nerve cells from sending messages to each other and the organs, preventing the body from working normally. They can be administered in gas or liquid form, causing symptoms including vomiting, breathlessness, paralysis and often death.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the global chemical weapons watchdog based in The Hague, said Thursday the Skripal case was “of great concern,” adding that it was in touch with British authorities over the attack.

Sally Davies, the chief medical officer for England, has said there was a low risk to the public, but experts say that nerve agents are highly dangerous and volatile.

“Nerve agents are not materials that can be made at home,” said Andrea Sella, a chemistry professor at University College London. “Their level of toxicity is such that they are only to be manufactured in specialized facilities.”

Additional reporting by AP