Radiation 'at highest levels where suspect stayed'

A police officer investigating the death of ex-KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko has said the highest levels of radioactive contamination were recorded at the hotel where one of the prime suspects was staying.

Andrei Lugovoi, who, along with Dmitri Kovtun, are suspected of poisoning Mr Litvinenko with polonium-210 in 2006, was staying alone at the Sheraton Park Lane hotel between October 25 and October 28 that year.

Detective Inspector Craig Mascall has told the public inquiry into Mr Litvinenko's death that traces of radioactivity were found throughout the hotel and in Lugovoi's room.

The highest levels of radioactivity were discovered on towels, he said.

The inquiry also heard that a chaffuer-driven car used by Lugovoi to get out of London was found to have traces of radioactive contamination.

Lugovoi and Kovtun deny any involvement and remain in Russia.