Police order tests on chemicals used on Porton Down volunteers

Police investigating claims that thousands of soldiers were illegally duped into taking part in chemical warfare experiments have ordered their own medical tests on the chemicals used.

Letters from the head of the Wiltshire police inquiry, Chief Superintendent Gerry Luckett, obtained by this newspaper, reveal that he has begun a second investigation into the case by focusing on the ill-health allegedly suffered by human guinea-pigs at Porton Down chemical warfare laboratory on Salisbury Plain.

The force has convened a panel of medical experts, including specialists in toxic chemicals, and commissioned tests into the medical effects of CS spray, another chemical called Nonox ZA that can harm skin, and into Pyrexal, a noxious substance also tested on the volunteers.

Police confirmed last week that Chief Supt Luckett believes his two-year investigation, which has been funded by the Home Office, had uncovered evidence that criminal offences were committed by Porton Down scientists during the 1950s and 1960s. In a letter to Gordon Bell, the ex-soldier whose allegations sparked Wiltshire's unprecedented investigation, Chief Supt Luckett said: "It is apparent that a criminal offence of administering a noxious substance has been committed."

He added that Mr Bell's allegation that the volunteers were duped because they were told the tests were to cure the common cold had also been "clearly corroborated".

In fact, up to 20,000 soldiers were tested with substances such as sarin, mustard gas, CS, LSD, VX gas and artificial smog.

Chief Supt Luckett's letter confirms disclosures by The Independent on Sunday last month that retired Porton Down scientists are facing prosecution.

A further letter, dated 4 July and sent to Porton Down veterans, said: "The police will send comprehensive reports to the Crown Prosecution Service."