Poisoned Russian ex-spy condition worse - hospital

LONDON, Nov 23 (Reuters) The condition of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko poisoned in London three weeks ago worsened overnight, the hospital said today.

''Mr Litvinenko's condition has deteriorated overnight. He is now in a very serious condition and remains in intensive care,'' University College Hospital said in a statement.

Litvinenko, 41, a critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, says he fell ill after meeting two Russians at a hotel. He had been investigating the killing of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, also a vocal critic of Putin, who was gunned down at her Moscow apartment on October 7.

Reuters AKJ VV1318