Italian tests positive for radiation

Italian Mario Scaramella, one of the men who met with poisoned former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko on the day he fell ill, has tested positive for polonium 210, it has emerged.

It is thought that Mr Scaramella, an academic who is involved in an Italian inquiry into KGB activity in the country, is not suffering any symptoms, but significant amounts of the radioactive substance have been found in his body.

Mr Scaramella met with Mr Litvinenko at the Itsu sushi restaurant in Piccadilly on November 1, the day that the Russian fell ill. He had earlier said that he discussed email death threats that both he and Mr Litvinenko had received during the meeting.

Traces of polonium 210 have also been found at the restaurant, as well as a number of other locations in the capital.

Mr Litvinenko, 43, died in hospital last week. A major dose of polonium 210 was found in his body.

A post-mortem is now being conducted on Mr Litvinenko's body.

Friends of the former KGB colonel have claimed that he was poisoned on the orders of the Russian government - claims that have been dismissed by the Kremlin as "sheer nonsense". Russia's foreign intelligence service, the SVR, have also denied any involvement in Mr Litvinenko's death.

Counter-terrorism officers from Scotland Yard are investigating the case and they have said that his death is being treated as suspicious.

The case took another bizarre turn yesterday as it emerged that former Russian Prime Minister Yegor Gaidar is being treated in hospital in what is widely believed to be some form of poisoning. Mr Gaidar fell ill during a trip to Dublin last week.

Irish government sources have claimed that nothing suspicious has been found, but Irish police are continuing to investigate the case.

Two British Airways aircraft were also tested for radiation at Heathrow on Thursday, one of which has since returned to service. Another plane, which is currently in Moscow, is due to be tested.

British Airways said that 221 flights are affected by the radiation scare, although the risk to the public is low. A list of flights is available at www.britishairways.com and anyone with any concerns is asked to contact British Airways on: 0845 6040171 (0191 211 3690) or NHS Direct on: 0845 4647.

(KMcA)