Nicola Sturgeon 'shocked and deeply distressed' after being arrested as part of police probe into SNP finances
11 June 2023, 14:43 | Updated: 12 June 2023, 06:19
Nicola Sturgeon has pleaded innocence after she was arrested in connection with a police investigation into Scottish National Party finances police have confirmed.
In a statement on Twitter, Ms Sturgeon said: "To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing."
"I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country.
Sturgeon quit as a minister and SNP leader in early April, shortly before the arrest of her husband, Peter Murrell.
She was later released without charge pending further investigation by Police Scotland - after a reported seven hours of questioning.
Murrell, the 58-year-old former chief executive of the SNP, was detained on April 5 at the couple's home in Uddingston, close to Glasgow.
Police Scotland has now confirmed a 52-year-old woman had been arrested on Sunday, June 11 in connection with the ongoing investigation.
They said the probe related to the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
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Sturgeon is the third person to be arrested as part of Operation Branchform, the Police Scotland probe into allegations that more than £600,000 in donations were misspent by the party.
The money was initially intended to be used as funding for a Scottish independence campaign.
Police also seized a luxury campervan in April from outside the home of Nicola Sturgeon's mother-in-law as part of the same ongoing investigation.
Officers took the vehicle from outside the home of Margaret Murrell, Peter Murrell's 92-year-old mother, near Dunfermline, Fife.
Read more: SNP auditors quit amid police investigation into Nicola Sturgeon's husband over party finances
In her statement, Ms Sturgeon continued: "To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing.
"I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country.
"Obviously, given the nature of this process, I cannot go into detail.
"However, I do wish to say this, and to do so in the strongest possible terms.
"Innocence is not just a presumption I am entitled do in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing."
Mr Murrell was interviewed under caution following his arrest in April, before being released without charge.
Following his arrest, Sturgeon said: "The last few days have been obviously difficult, quite traumatic at times, but I understand that is part of a process," she told reporters.
Police subsequently undertook an extensive search of the couple's residence, with then-party treasurer, Colin Beattie MSP, also released pending further investigation.
"The woman is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives," read the Police Scotland statement.
"A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service."
Police Scotland has also warned the public to avoid speculation and discussing the matter on social media given the police investigation is ongoing.
They added there would be no further comment on the matter.
