Litvinenko public inquiry blocked by government

The government has refused a request to hold a public inquiry into the death of ex-KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko, the coroner has announced.

Mr Litvinenko was poisoned with radioactive polonium in London in 2006.

Coroner Sir Robert Owen had requested an inquiry after ruling the inquest could not hear evidence of alleged Russian state involvement in the death.

The Litvinenko family has called for a judicial review of the refusal, saying it showed "utter contempt".

Gordon Corera reports.