TWO guinea pigs were found dead at the home of poisoned spy Sergei Skripal after the property was sealed off for investigations.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs added a cat was also found in a distressed state at the house in Christie Miller Road and a decision was taken to euthanise the pet.

Scotland Yard said Mr Skripal and his daughter first came into contact with the nerve agent at his home after detailed forensic testing showed the highest concentration of the substance was found on the front door.

The property was a focus of police activity in the aftermath of the attack, with other sites in the city combed over for clues.

A government spokesman said: "The property in Wiltshire was sealed as part of the police investigation.

"When a vet was able to access the property, two guinea pigs had sadly died. A cat was also found in a distressed state and a decision was taken by a veterinary surgeon to euthanise the animal to alleviate its suffering.

"This decision was taken in the best interests of the animal and its welfare."

According to The Sun, the cat - which was extremely malnourished by the time it was found - was examined at Porton Down before being put down.

Its remains - along with those of the guinea pigs, who had died due to a lack of water while the house was sealed off - were then incinerated in case they had been contaminated with the novichok substance.