Nicola Sturgeon has said she had “no prior knowledge” of police plans to arrest her husband Peter Murrell.

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.”

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

Officers are also carrying out searches at a number of addresses, including at Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon’s home in Glasgow and at SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.

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.

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Ms Sturgeon was asked by Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby last month whether the ongoing probe – and the pressure on her and her husband as a result – had played a part in her departure.

“No, it hasn’t. No,” she said.

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 Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell early on Wednesday morning, with police taping it off.

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

Scouring the garden, the officers were seen to open a small shed and a storage box, while a police photographer was seen to be documenting the search.

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

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

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

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