Police officer downed during Skripal poisoning incident discharged from hospital

The police officer who was hospitalised after responding to the nerve agent attack on the former Russian spy Sergei Skripal has been discharged from hospital.

Detective sergeant Nick Bailey, 38, was one of the first on the scene after the A234 nerve agent struck Skripal and his daughter Yulia during a visit to Salisbury Cemetery, which is the final resting place of the former spy’s wife and son.

Mr Bailey was discharged from hospital on Thursday (March 22nd) after several weeks of treatment.

He described his experience as “completely surreal” but called for “people to focus on the investigation, not the police officer who was unfortunate enough to be caught up in it”.

“I understand why there is attention on me, but all I have done is represent every police officer who goes out there every day and puts their life at risk,” he commented.

His wife Sarah added: “Nick doesn’t like the term ‘hero’, but he has always been a hero to me and our children.”

Meanwhile, Russia’s ambassador to the UK Alexander Yakovenko addressed a cynical note to Mr Bailey not only expressing relief at the news of his hospital discharge, but also distancing Russia from the attack.

“Please be assured that Russia has nothing to do with this reckless incident and is ready to cooperate with the British authorities with regard to the investigation both bilaterally and through international organisations,” the letter read.