Yasser Arafat had at least 18 times the normal levels of radioactive polonium in his body when he died, according to a Swiss investigation.

Scientists have confirmed they found unnaturally high levels of the radioactive element in the former Palestinian leader’s ribs and pelvis, as well as in soil around his remains.

A new 108-page report by the University Centre of Legal Medicine in Lausanne said these findings “moderately support” the argument that Mr Arafat died as a result of poisoning.