Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has been released without charge pending further investigation, according to Police Scotland.

Mr Murrell, 58, who is married to Nicola Sturgeon, spent almost 12 hours in custody following his arrest in connection with an investigation into the party’s finances earlier on Wednesday.

In a statement shortly before he was released, Ms Sturgeon said she had “no prior knowledge” of plans to arrest her husband.

A spokesperson for the former Scottish first minister said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on a live police investigation.

“Nicola Sturgeon had 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.”

Mr Murrell, a former SNP chief executive, was taken into police custody on Wednesday morning in connection with an investigation into the political party’s funding and finances.

Police Scotland has been investigating the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.

It is understood there have been complaints the ringfenced cash has been used improperly by being spent elsewhere.

A blue tent was set up in the front garden of the house belonging to Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon in Glasgow, with police taping the area off.

In the afternoon officers could be seen in the back garden, one of whom was carrying two spades, although it is unclear why.

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Police have arrested Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell on  Sky’s Connor GIllies is at the scene.

The officers were seen opening a small shed and a storage box, while a police photographer was seen documenting the search.

Police were also seen removing large green boxes from the SNP’s Edinburgh headquarters and stacking them into vans.

In an update on Wednesday evening, Police Scotland said: “A 58-year-old man who was arrested as a suspect earlier today, Wednesday, 5 April 2023, 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 man was questioned by Police Scotland detectives after he was arrested at 7.45am. He was released from custody at 6.57pm.

“Officers also carried out searches today at a number of addresses as part of the investigation.

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

Read more:
Fresh questions about what Sturgeon did or did not know
What we know so far about Peter Murrell and SNP probe

It comes just a week after Humza Yousaf was legally sworn in as Scotland’s sixth first minister – replacing Ms Sturgeon after her shock resignation in February.

In one of her last interviews, the former SNP leader told Sky News the ongoing probe – and the pressure on her and her husband as a result – did not play a part in her departure.

She also said she had “not heard” whether her husband had been asked to talk to detectives.

Mr Murrell hasn’t been seen in public since he sensationally quit his senior role last month following a damaging secrecy row over party membership numbers.

The 58-year-old has been married to Ms Sturgeon since 2010.

The SNP said in a statement: “Clearly it would not be appropriate to comment on any live police investigation, but the SNP have been co-operating 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.”