NICOLA Sturgeon has broken her silence after being released without charge by Police Scotland.
The former First Minister was arrested yesterday morning amid a probe into the SNP's finances.
The force announced that the Glasgow Southside MSP would not face any charges at around 5.24pm last night.
Police arrested Ms Sturgeon at around 10.09am and she was taken for questioning as part of Operation Branchform.
She was held in custody for over seven hours.
Two New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times Square
In a statement posted on Twitter yesterday evening, Ms Sturgeon slammed her arrest as "both a shock and deeply distressing."
She said: "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 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 today's 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 best of my ability."
The investigation centres around nearly £500,000 raised for a second independence campaign raised through an online fundraiser in 2017, which is alleged to have gone 'missing'.
At least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centre
Ms Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell and former SNP Treasurer Colin Beattie were also arrested as part of the finance probe.
Following Mr Murrell's arrest in April, the couple's home was thoroughly searched by police.
And the party's headquarters in Edinburgh were also raided, with officers seen carrying boxes of evidence out of the building.
Mr Beattie then resigned as Treasurer effective immediately after he was released.
Former Nats leader Sturgeon resigned as First Minister on February 15, with the post taken over by former Health Secretary Humza Yousaf just one week before Mr Murrell's arrest.
Last night, a Police Scotland 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.
"The matter remains 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."
A spokesperson for Ms Sturgeon said earlier: "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 cooperate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so."
In the hours before the bombshell was revealed unsuspecting residents cut grass and walked their dogs through the sleepy suburb, not knowing that Ms Sturgeon was in custody.
Mr Murrell’s car was gone from their driveway for the whole day.
Stunned neighbours spoke of their surprise.
One said: “Oh god. I’ve been out the back garden all day. I had no idea.
“This has been going on for a while. I don’t think anything will happen.”
We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at scoop@thesun.co.uk or call 0141 420 5200
