Former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko at London's University College Hospital on 20 November 2006.(Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Traces of radiation have been found at several more sites in London during investigations into the death of a former Russian spy, British Home Secretary John Reid said on Monday.

    Besides Alexander Litvinenko's home and a hotel and restaurant he visited on Nov. 1, the day he fell ill with radiation poisoning, "several other premises" also have the indications of radiation. But Reid didn't give the names of the places and said there was no need for public alarm.

    Litvinenko's friend, Alexander Goldfarb, however, told Sky News television that they included the offices of Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky.

    Another address was the offices of Erinys, a security and risk management company, the firm confirmed in a statement.

    Erinys said it had received a visit from Litvinenko "on a matter totally unrelated to issues now being investigated by the police." It did not specify the date of the visit.

    Police said both addresses were in the exclusive Mayfair district in London's West End.

    Health officials have said Polonium 210 is dangerous only if it is swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through a wound.

    Reid's comments deepened the mystery over how and where Litvinenko ingested the poison.

    Health officials have offered tests to members of the public who may have visited the locations. A spokeswoman for Britain's Health Protection Agency (HPA) said that of more than 450 people who called a government hotline for health advice, 18 had been passed on to the HPA for follow-up.

    (Agencies)

Related stories: UK police probes death of ex-Russian spy

    BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- The British police sought to investigate the death of Alexander V. Litvinenko, a former Russian KGB agent, said a British official on Sunday.

    "British policemen have gone as far as saying no more than this is a suspicious death that they are investigating and they have ruled out no option," said John Reid, the Home Secretary and Britain's most senior law enforcement official.

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