DS Nick Bailey has left Wiltshire Police, citing the impact of the Novichok poisonings as the reason behind it.

Announcing the news on Twitter, the former officer said: "After 18 years in the Police Force I’ve had to admit defeat and accept that I can no longer do the job. I wanted to be a Police Officer since I was a teenager, I couldn’t envisage doing anything else, which is why this makes me so sad.

"Like most Police Officers, I’ve experienced my fair share of trauma, violence, upset, injury and grief. We deal with it, take it on the chin and keep going because that’s our job. But we’re still human and the impact this has shouldn’t be underestimated.

"The events in Salisbury in March 2018 took so much from me and although I’ve tried so hard to make it work, I know that I won’t find peace whilst remaining in that environment.

"Policing will remain in my heart and I feel honoured and privileged to have been part of Wiltshire Police. I am so grateful for the opportunities that they’ve given me, and the support that I’ve received. We’ve all seen that the ‘Policing family’ very much exists and in the current climate it’s more important now than ever.

"To all those in the Police, I salute you. Keep fighting the good fight, I’m just sorry that I’ve made the thin blue line that little bit thinner. Be proud of what you do and know that you make a positive difference to so many people. But for me, it’s time for a change. 1772: off duty. #policefamily #thinblueline #joblikenoother #MentalHealthMatters"

Read more: Outpouring of support for Novichok officer Nick Bailey

Mr Bailey was among the officers involved in the response to the 2018 Novichok poisonings.

He himself fell ill after coming into contact with the nerve agent but later recovered.

Earlier this year, Mr Bailey became a patron for the Stars Appeal after raising more than £20,000 for Salisbury District Hospital to thank the staff who cared for him.