Nicola Sturgeon breaks her silence following release amid SNP finances probe | The Sun

NICOLA Sturgeon has been released following her arrest earlier today.

The former First Minister was arrested this morning amid a police probe into the SNP's finances.

The force announced the Glasgow Southside MSP she was released without charge around 5.24pm tonight.

Police arrested Ms Sturgeon this morning at around 10.09am and was taken for questioning as part of Operation Branchform.

She was held by police for over seven hours.

In a statement posted on Twitter Ms Sturgeon said her arrest was "both a shock and deeply distressing."

She 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 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.

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"Innocence is not just a presumption I am entitle to in law.

"I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing.

"To the many people who have sent messages of support over these past difficult weeks – including since today's news broke – thank you for your kindness.

"Thank you also to my close circle of family and friends who are giving me much-needed strength at this time.

"Finally, while I will take a day or two to process this latest development, I intend to be back in Parliament soon where I will continue to represent my Glasgow Southside constituents to the best of my ability."

The investigation centres around a 'missing' nearly £500,000 raised for a second independence campaign raised through an online fundraiser in 2017.

Ms Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell and former-SNP Treasurer Colin Beattie were also arrested as part of the finance probe.

Following Mr Murrell's arrest in April, the couple's home was thoroughly searched by police.

And the party's headquarters in Edinburgh was also raided with officers seen carrying boxes of evidence out the building.

Mr Beattie then resigned as Treasurer effective immediately after he was released.

The former-Nats leader resigned as First Minister on February 15 and Humza Yousaf took over just one week before Mr Murrell's arrest.

A Police Scotland Spokesperson said: "A 52-year-old woman who was arrested earlier today, Sunday, 11 June, 2023, as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party, has been released without charge pending further investigation.

"The woman was questioned by Police Scotland detectives after she was arrested at 10.09am. She was released from custody at 5.24pm.

"A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

"The matter remains active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.

"As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further."

A spokesperson for Ms Sturgeon said earlier: "Nicola Sturgeon has today, Sunday 11th June, by arrangement with Police Scotland, attended an interview where she was to be arrested and questioned in relation to Operation Branchform.

"Nicola has consistently said she would co-operate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so." 

In the hours before the bombshell was revealed unsuspecting residents cut grass and walked their dogs through the sleepy suburb, not knowing that Ms Sturgeon was in custody.

Mr Murrell’s car was gone from their driveway the whole day.

Stunned neighbours spoke of their surprise.

One said: “Oh god. I’ve been out the back garden all day. I had no idea.

“This has been going on for a while. I don’t think anything will happen.”

Another said with a smile: “We’ve been waiting for it for a long time.”

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