CHARLIE Rowley who was exposed to the nerve agent novichok is now conscious and is no longer critical. 

Lorna Wilkinson, Director of Nursing at Salisbury District Hospital said: “Following my update yesterday, I’m delighted to be able to tell you that Charlie Rowley has made further progress overnight.

“He is no longer in a critical condition.

“His condition is now serious, but stable. Our staff will continue to work hard to provide the care that Charlie needs. Charlie still has some way to go to recover, but the progress we’ve seen so far gives us cause for optimism.”

It comes after an announcement yesterday that Mr Rowley, of Amesbury, had regained consciousness.

Police are believed to have spoken to him about the incident earlier this morning.

In a statement, Scotland Yard said: "Officers from the investigation team have spoken briefly to Charlie and will be looking to further speak with him in the coming days as they continue to try and establish how he and Dawn came to be contaminated with the nerve agent.

"Any contact officers have with Charlie will be done in close consultation with the hospital and his doctors. We will not be providing further commentary around our contact with Charlie."

Mr Rowley became ill along with Dawn Sturgess on June 30 after being exposed to the nerve agent.