Nicola Sturgeon releases statement following her arrest

SCOTTISH former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has released a statement following her arrest by Police Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon has said that she is innocent “beyond doubt” in a statement published on Sunday.

“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,” stated the former Scottish minister.

She pointed out that given the nature of the process, she 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 to in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing,” Ms Sturgeon added.

Nicola Sturgeon was released without charges after being questioned by detectives as “a suspect” as part of Operation Branchform – a Police Scotland investigation into the SNP’s finances, following claims the party misspent £600,000 of donations.

Ms Sturgeon is the third person to have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.