Britain to request extradition of suspected Novichok attackers from Russia: report

The move follows a months-long investigation by British police and intelligence officers who believe they have identified two culprits and pieced together their movements in the UK earlier this year, the Guardian reported.

But the extradition request is expected to be rejected by Russia, the paper added.

It is also expected to reignite a diplomatic row with Russia, the Guardian reported.

Earlier this year, after Russian ex-spy Sergey Skripal and his daughter were likely attacked with the Novichok nerve agent, which left them both in critical condition in hospital for weeks, the UK, and a number of its allies, expelled Russian diplomats.

The move was reciprocated by Moscow.

British officials blamed Russia for the attack, but the Kremlin denied any involvement.

Months later, a 44-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man, both British nationals, were also found poisoned, probably after accidentally coming into contact with a container used in the attack on the Skripals.

The woman, Dawn Sturgess, died in hospital. (vb)