THE Guildhall is being monitored by police as it has now closed to the public.

The Grade II* listed building will be used for the first five days of the Dawn Sturgess Public Inquiry, commencing on Monday, October 14.

The public inquiry comes after Dawn Sturgess, 44, died after she was exposed to Novichok in Amesbury in July 2018. The nerve agent had been stored in a discarded perfume bottle. 

For more about the inquiry, read more here: Dawn Sturgess Inquiry: Start date confirmed with first sitting in Salisbury

It followed the attempted murders of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in March 2018, as well as the poisoning of ex-police officer DS Nick Bailey. All three survived, as did Ms Sturgess’ boyfriend Charlie Rowley.

Police are guarding the Guildhall ahead of the public inquiry next weekPolice are guarding the Guildhall ahead of the public inquiry next week (Image: Newsquest)

The public inquiry was established on March 17, 2022 under the Inquiries Act 2005 as a means of investigating Ms Sturgess' death. The inquiry was set up to take the place of the inquest so all evidence can be heard to fully explore the issue of Russian state responsibility.

A spokesperson from Wiltshire Police has said: "While the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry is sitting in Salisbury, Wiltshire Police have responsibility for the policing operation outside of the Guildhall.

"We have developed a proportionate policing plan which will be resourced, largely, by our Neighbourhood Policing colleagues. These are familiar faces within the community with strong, local connections.

"Although our communities in Salisbury city centre will likely see an increased policing presence for the duration of the Salisbury hearing phase, there is no current intelligence to suggest there is any risk to the wider public."

Following the week in Salisbury, it is expected that the public inquiry will continue from the week beginning Monday, October 28 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre.

A Salisbury City Council spokesperson has added: “Due to preparations for the upcoming inquiry, the Guildhall is temporarily closed to the public. The inquiry begins on Monday, October 14, and the public is welcome to attend. Salisbury Information Centre is still operating as usual during this period.”