Nicola Sturgeon has been released without charge after being arrested as part of the police investigation into the SNP's finances.

Police Scotland said the former First Minister had been released without charge pending further investigations more than seven hours after her arrest on Sunday morning. 

A police spokesperson said: "A 52-year-old woman who was arrested earlier today, Sunday, 11 June, 2023, as a suspect 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 woman was questioned by Police Scotland detectives after she was arrested at 10.09am. She was released from custody at 5.24pm.

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

A spokesperson for Nicola Sturgeon, said: "Nicola Sturgeon has today, Sunday 11th June, 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 co-operate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so."

Peter Murrell,  the former SNP chief executive and Nicola Sturgeon’s husband, was arrested in April.

Colin Beattie, who was SNP treasurer at the time, was also arrested.

Both were released without charge pending further inquiry.

Police searched Mr Murrell’s home, that he shares with Nicola Sturgeon, over a number of days and other properties including SNP HQ in Edinburgh.