Sergei Skripal: Former spy was in 'regular contact with Russian embassy', ex-Kremlin officer claims

Valery Morozov says he believes double agent was still working in cyber security

Sergei Skripal, the double agent attacked with nerve agent in Salisbury, was in “regular contact with the Russian embassy”, a former Kremlin official has claimed.

Valery Morozov, who was an associate of Mr Skripal after he too was exiled to the UK, said that he believes that while living in retirement the former spy was still working in cyber security.

He also claimed Mr Skripal was keeping “dangerous” company, which is why he later chose to distance himself.

“Every month [he was] going to the embassy to meet military intelligence officers”, Mr Morozov told Channel 4 News.

“For me being political refugee it is either certain danger or, frankly speaking, I thought that this concept is not very good for me. It can be bring some questions from British officials.”

The Russian embassy said it was not aware of any meetings.

Mr Morozov also said he was sure that Russian President Vladimir Putin had nothing to do with the alleged poisoning.

“Putin can’t be behind this. I know how the Kremlin works, I worked there. Who is Skripal? He is nothing for Putin. Putin doesn’t think about him”, he said.

“There is nobody in Kremlin talking about former intelligence officer who is nobody. There is no reason for this. It is more dangerous for them for such things to happen.”

Mr Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia were found on a bench in Salisbury after being falling ill.

They are currently fighting for their lives in hospital.

A police officer, who was one of the first at the scene, is also in hospital and is believed to be in intensive care.