THE threat of international chemical attacks is on the rise, the defence secretary has warned.

The Novichok poisonings, taking place in Salisbury three years ago, was also referenced by the secretary of state, during an interview at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down.

Mr Wallace told The Times these types of attacks were “what happens in a sort of breakdown of world order”, and expressed concern that some states believed it was acceptable to use nerve agents and pathogens against their opponents.

He added that the internet provided a “turbo boost” for both extremist groups and nation states looking to research and develop such weapons.

He said: “Globally, I think there is a growing threat of chemical or biological attack.

“It depends on what is at hand for people using the internet.

“It is unfortunately what happens in a sort of breakdown of world order where you see countries like Syria use it on its own people.

“There has been a worry that some states think it is acceptable to use that type of method to carry out or further their aims.”

Referring to the Salisbury Novichok poisonings - when two Russian nationals were accused of travelling to the city to murder Sergei Skripal with the nerve agent - Mr Wallace added that incidents like this demonstrated the need for more police officers to be trained to respond to chemical and biological attacks.

Military personnel deployed to regions at risk of chemical or biological attack have to undergo intense training at Porton Down, including how to repair and maintain military gas masks, The Times reported.

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