VX nerve agent found on Kim Jong-Nam face: Malaysia police

Traces of VX nerve agent were discovered from swabs of the face and eyes of Kim Jong-Nam, who was attacked by two women at Kuala Lumpur airport on February 13.

The substance was identified as Ethyl S-2-Diisopropylaminoethyl Methylphosphonothiolate, according to a preliminary analysis from the Centre for Chemical Weapons Analysis of Malaysia's Chemical Department, police said.

The US government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says VX is the most potent of all nerve agents and its only known use is in chemical warfare.

The exiled Jong-Nam was attacked as he readied to board a plane to Macau.

Leaked CCTV footage showed two women approaching the heavy-set 45-year old and appearing to push something in his face.

He is then seen seeking help from staff who ultimately call an ambulance.

Police say he suffered a seizure and was dead before he arrived at hospital.