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Blood tests shows former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were exposed to Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok, Justice David Williams said in a specialist court today.

Justice Williams has allowed chemical weapons experts to analyse blood samples from the Skripals, who were left fighting for life by a "brazen" poison attack Theresa May has blamed on Russia.

The judge made the ruling in London's Court of Protection, where cases involving patients who the lack the mental capacity to make decisions are heard.

Delivering the judgement, he revealed details about the health of 66-year-old Skripal, a former KGB agent who shared secrets with M16, and Yulia, 33.

(Image: GETTY)

(Image: GETTY)

The long-term health of Skripal and Yulia "remains unclear" but tests show their "mental capacity might be compromised" by the lethal chemical, the judge said.

"The precise effect of their exposure on their long term health remains unclear albeit medical tests indicate that their mental capacity might be compromised to an unknown and so far unascertained degree," the judge said.

Both are "heavily sedated", with Skripal "unable to communicate in any way" and Yulia "unable to communicate in any meaningful way".

(Image: GETTY)

He added: "It is not possible to say when or to what extent Mr or Ms Skripal may regain capacity.

"Both are currently in a physically stable condition which is not expected to change in the immediate or near future.

"They are both being treated on the basis that they would wish to be kept alive and to achieve optimal recovery and the treatment currently being given is aimed to achieve that."

Justice Williams said doctors at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust could provide blood samples from the Skripals to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Meanwhile, detective sergeant Nick Bailey, who was left in a critical condition ater responding to the Salisbury attack, has today been discharged from hospital.

Bailey said he has been "overwhelmed" by the support he has received during what has been a "surreal" experience, in a statement read by Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard.

The statement read: "People ask me how I am feeling – but there are really no words to explain how I feel right now. Surreal is the word that keeps cropping up – and it really has been completely surreal.

"I have been so very overwhelmed by the support, cards and messages I have received – everyone has been so incredible.

"Some days we’ve had about 300 messages from officers, the wider police family and the public.

"The level of support has been unbelievable and I’ve tried to respond to what I can, but I want to say I have really appreciated every single message."