The UK government has attributed the poisoning incidents to Russian intelligence, a claim that Moscow has vehemently denied.

The Sturgess family is seeking answers regarding the circumstances that led to the Skripals' settlement in Salisbury, questioning national security and the government's protective measures.

Coroner Heather Hallett emphasized the necessity of a public inquiry to thoroughly investigate Sturgess's death, particularly as it can review sensitive intelligence information.

The inquiry will also explore whether the UK government failed to protect the public and if mistakes were made in handling the Skripal case.

Sturgess was described as a caring person who had recently found happiness, despite her previous struggles with alcohol dependency.

The couple has struggled to grieve due to the public nature of Dawn's death and the initial mischaracterization of her as a homeless drug user.

Former Prime Minister Theresa May expressed hope that the inquiry will uncover the truth for Dawn's family and friends.

A public inquiry into the 2018 death of Dawn Sturgess, who died after exposure to the nerve agent Novichok, is set to open today, October 14, 2024.

Sturgess's death occurred in July 2018 after she came into contact with Novichok that had been left in a discarded perfume bottle in Amesbury, Wiltshire.

The Russian agents involved in the poisoning were identified as GRU officers Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, who faced charges for attempted murder but not for Sturgess's death.

Charlie Rowley, Sturgess's boyfriend, also fell critically ill from the same nerve agent but survived after unwittingly giving her the contaminated bottle.

Inquiry counsel Andrew O’Connor KC described her death as extraordinary and tragic, resulting from an illegal assassination attempt linked to Russian operatives.