One of the two people poisoned by novichok in Salisbury is now conscious, it has emerged, as the UK’s counter terror chief admitted the nerve agent could last 50 years.

Charlie Rowley, 45, had been in a coma in intensive care ever since being rushed to hospital on Saturday June 30 but the improvement in his condition has raised hopes that he might be able to help police understand how he became ill.

At the weekend, his girlfriend Dawn Sturgess, 44, tragically died after also being poisoned.

In a statement Lorna Wilkinson, director of nursing at Salisbury District Hospital, said: "We have seen a small but significant improvement in the condition of Charlie Rowley. He is in a critical but stable condition, and is now conscious.

“While this is welcome news, clearly we are not out of the woods yet. Charlie is still very unwell and will continue to require specialist, round-the-clock care here at Salisbury District Hospital."