Wiltshire Police Inquiry

The present investigation by Wiltshire Constabulary (Operation ANTLER) was prompted by allegations made by a former volunteer who believes he has suffered ill health as a result of his participation in trials at Porton Down and who claims to have been recruited under the pretext of common cold research.  Concerns were also raised about the death of a volunteer serviceman, LAC Ronald Maddison, during a nerve agent trial in 1953.

The police investigation, which commenced in the summer of 1999,covers the period from 1939 to 1989.  During this period volunteers were involved in studies to assess the efficacy and usability of protective equipment, the efficacy and acceptability or prospective treatments and pretreatments for chemical and biological warfare agents and threats.  It is the last category of trials that have generated most interest and a major avenue of the police inquiry is the potential administration of noxious substances without informed consent.

The Police have recently approached the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for advice on cases where they are considering bringing prosecutions.

The MOD and Porton Down have co-operated fully with the police, providing access to archive material and facilities as required.  From the start of the investigation, Wiltshire Constabulary officers have had passes to enable easy access to Porton Down and have been allocated an office on the site.  In addition, the police have had the assistance of two MOD Police staff and five personnel from the military security services.

Last Updated: 17 Dec 01