THE SNP have released a statement following the arrest of former party chief executive Peter Murrell.
The 58-year-old, and husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, was arrested on Wednesday morning in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the SNP.
Murrell is now in custody and being questioned by Police Scotland detectives as part of Operation Branchform. Searches at a number of addresses including the former first minister's home in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, are underway.
A spokesperson for the SNP said: “Clearly it would not be appropriate to comment on any live police investigation but the SNP have been cooperating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so.
“At its meeting on Saturday, the governing body of the SNP, the NEC, agreed to a review of governance and transparency – that will be taken forward in the coming weeks.”
Police officers were also photographed outside of the party's headquarters at Gordon Lamb House in Edinburgh, near the Royal Mile, on Wednesday morning.
A total of four police vans could be seen lining the narrow street of Gentle’s Entry leading to the building, with two officers guarding the front door of SNP HQ.
Six officers were seen carrying equipment, including a torch, before they marched into the building at 11.30am watched by the press and a few onlookers – including two women observing the spectacle from their balcony.
Just before 3pm, a dozen officers could be seen leaving the building, carrying boxes, equipment and tools.
We told how footage showed police vans and a forensic tent outside of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon's home.
A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Police Scotland said.
A force spokesperson said: "The matter is 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."
