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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Laura Pollock

Nicola Sturgeon breaks silence on Peter Murrell's arrest

A SPOKESPERSON for Nicola Sturgeon has said the former first minister had "no prior knowledge" of the arrest of her husband Peter Murrell.

Murrell was arrested on Wednesday as a result of a long-running, police investigation into the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.

The statement provided to the BBC and Sky News, said Sturgeon "will fully cooperate with Police Scotland if required" but no requests had been made.

Police Scotland have said Sturgeon was present when officers arrived at her home at 7.35am this morning. Earlier reports said she had left before they arrived.

The statement reads: "It would not be appropriate to comment on a live police investigation. Nicola Sturgeon has no prior knowledge of Police Scotland's action or intentions. Ms Sturgeon will fully cooperate with Police Scotland if required however at this time no such request has been made."

Murrell, the former SNP chief executive who resigned in March, was taken into police custody on Wednesday morning in connection with an investigation into the political party's funding and finances.

Several police vehicles were parked outside the Glasgow home of Murrell and Sturgeon throughout the day, and a blue police tent has been put up in the front garden.

Blue sheeting has also been put up to screen the house from view and a police cordon has been put in place around the property.

A number of police officers could be seen standing outside the house on Wednesday while others went inside.

Police also carried out a search at the parties Edinburgh-based headquarters.

Outside the SNP office in the Scottish capital, officers stood guard in the entrance and others entered and left the building with several boxes.

There were four police vans and around five unmarked police cars outside the Jackson’s Entry building, of which the party headquarters is on the third floor.

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