ROBOTS that can detect nerve agents and other chemical weapons are being tested in wake of the attack in Salisbury.

The new fleet of robots and drones are designed to test for chemical agents, provide 3D mapping of buildings and identify casualties, and they have now been tested by the military, police officers and scientists for the first time.

The initiative, named Project Minerva, aims to reduce risk to emergency services and front-line troops attending incidents involving chemical or biological materials that could cause them harm.

Tests of the multi-million-pound project, co-funded by the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office, included robots that can ‘read’ and climb stairs and miniature drones weighing less than a bar of soap which could soon come into service to rapidly assess hazardous scenes.

During a recent trial in Gloucestershire, the robots were thrown into simulated contaminated scenarios set both in the UK and in battlefield environments.

They were then tested against the speed and accuracy of human response teams.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: Following the reckless nerve agent attack in Salisbury this year, we have seen the bravery and professionalism of our Armed Forces, emergency services and MOD scientists.

"They have worked tirelessly to investigate and clean up deadly contaminated areas.

"This project will ensure we stay at the forefront of dealing with such heinous attacks, whether on our streets or on foreign battlefields. We are investing millions in this pioneering technology to do more to protect those who so fearlessly protect us."