TODAY marks six months since the city was descended into an international attempted murder investigation, after a Russian former spy and his daughter were found poisoned on a bench in the Maltings.

Sergei and Yulia Skripal were taken to Salisbury District Hospital on March 4 after they collapsed in the city centre.

Although police initially believed it was a drugs-related incident, it was later confirmed the pair had been exposed to the military grade nerve agent Novichok, of Russian origin.

A Wiltshire Police officer, Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, was also contaminated when he searched the Skripals home, and taken critically ill.

The world's media descended on the city, as the Met Police confirmed their counter-terror officers would lead the investigation and Prime Minister Theresa May announced sanctions against Russia, who the government believe to be behind the attack.

Thanks to groundbreaking treatment from doctors at Salisbury District Hospital, both of the Skripals and DS Bailey survived the attack and were discharged.

DS Bailey has not returned to work with Wiltshire Police, and it is still not known where Sergei and Yulia are living.

A recovery group was set up to help businesses affected by cordons in the city, and to promote tourism and increase footfall.

But just as things began to pick up, two more victims were rushed to Salisbury District Hospital in critical condition.

Charlie Rowley and Dawn Sturgess fell ill on June 30, almost four months after the initial attack, and it was later found that they too had come into contact with Novichok.

Although Mr Rowley has now been discharged, Ms Sturgess died on July 8, and the investigation status changed to murder.

Counter-terror police have released no details of potential suspects, or further information on how the attack was carried out.

MP John Glen described the past six months as "bewildering", adding: "I couldn't immediately comprehend it."

Mr Glen has since been involved in championing the city, requesting support from central government and trying to keep residents up to date with new developments.

He said the city must now look towards a long-term plan for recovery.

He said: "I think people have reacted to every different phase with predictable sentiments: bewilderment and astonishment, followed by anger and frustration (particularly around the cordons at Queen Elizabeth Gardens and the Town Path).

"I'm very proud to have seen the constructive and positive approach taken by those who hold positions of leadership across the city.

"We need to work together in a positive way to bring the full restoration we all wish to see.

"It's been a very unpleasant and tragic time for Salisbury, but the resilience and positivity of the people of the city have shone through to me."