Scotland's former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has been released without charge, after she was arrested in connection with an investigation into SNP finances.
She was taken into custody and questioned as a suspect on Sunday.
After she was released around three hours later, Ms Sturgeon said in a statement: "To find myself in the situation I did 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 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 [the] 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 very best of my ability."
STATEMENT pic.twitter.com/MlpWJGzwi0
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 11, 2023
Ms Sturgeon was the latest high-profile figure in the party to be detained as part of Police Scotland's Operation Branchform, into the whereabouts of stg£600,000 (€702,028) of funding that had been earmarked for a second Scottish independence vote.
It is understood there have been complaints the ring-fenced cash may have been used improperly by being spent elsewhere.
Her arrest came on the back of the detentions of party treasurer Colin Beattie and former party chief executive Peter Murrell - also Ms Sturgeon's husband - who were both subsequently released without charge.
'Cooperating fully'
Police previously searched the SNP headquarters and Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell's home as part of the investigation.
At the time of her arrest, a spokesperson for Ms Sturgeon said: "Nicola Sturgeon has ... 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 cooperate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so."
A luxury motorhome was also seized from outside the home of Mr Murrell's mother in Fife.
An SNP spokesperson said: "These issues are subject to a live police investigation.
"The SNP have been cooperating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so however it is not appropriate to publicly address any issues while that investigation is ongoing."
Ms Sturgeon stood down as party leader and first minister back in February.
At the time, Ms Sturgeon said she was quitting because the job "takes its toll on you and all around you".
She said she believed part of "serving well would be to know almost instinctively when the time is right" to step down - adding: "In my head and in my heart I know that time is now, that it is right for me and my party and for the country."
Months later, Mr Murrell was arrested - creating a sense of turmoil that has overshadowed the new leadership of Humza Yousaf, who was elected to replace Ms Sturgeon in March.
Reporting by: IRN
