The murder of ex-Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 was “probably” approved by President Vladimir Putin, a public inquiry has concluded, the BBC reports.

Mr Litvinenko died aged 43 in London days after being poisoned with radioactive polonium-210, which he is believed to have drunk in a cup of tea.

Chairman Sir Robert Owen said it was likely Mr Putin signed off the killing following a long-running feud.

Mr Litvinenko’s widow Marina said she was “very pleased” with the report.

Speaking outside London’s High Court, she said: “The words my husband spoke on his deathbed when he accused Mr Putin have been proved by an English court.”