AN MP blames the Russians for a 'state sponsored' attack in Salisbury.

Russian ex-spy Sergei Skirpal, 66, and his daughter Yulia Skripal, 33, were taken critically ill in a hospital in Salisbury after they were found unconscious on a bench in the Wiltshire city on March 4.

The UK government has said they were poisoned with a 'nerve agent' developed by Russia and Prime Minister Theresa May said she believes Moscow is "culpable".

Police have since launched a murder investigation into the death of Russian businessman Nikolai Glushkov in south-west London, after it was revealed he died from "compression to the neck" at his home in New Malden on March 12.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans slammed the Russian state for using a chemical which breaks 'all sorts of conventions'.

He said: "When you talk about a nerve agent you are talking about something created by the state.

"It's not something you can just buy over the counter at boots.

"This stuff is incredibly dangerous and breaks all sorts of conventions.

"The Russians will not answer the questions properly and we can only conclude it's Russian state sponsored.

"The expulsion of the 23 diplomats is right but we still need to send a strong message to Putin with the support of the United States, France and Germany in one common voice."