Nicola Sturgeon has said she will “fully cooperate” with police after the arrest this week of her husband Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP).

The former Scottish first minister broke her silence after Mr Murrell’s arrest on Wednesday as part of an investigation into the SNP’s finances.

She said recent days had been “obviously difficult” during a short statement outside the couple’s Glasgow home.

But she added she could not comment on the investigation into how around £600,000 which was earmarked for an independence campaign was spent, “as much as there are things I may want to say”.

“The last few days have been obviously difficult, quite dramatic at times, but I understand that is part of a process,” she told reporters.

Ms Sturgeon said she understands the “scrutiny that comes on me as a public figure”, adding: “But I’m also entitled to a little bit of privacy in my own home.”

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She also asked journalists to “respect” her neighbours’ privacy.

She said: “Over the years, as a result of living next door to me, they’ve been subjected to more than their fair share of disruption and inconvenience.

“And that has obviously been particularly the case over the last couple of days.”

“So that’s really all I needed to say just now, other than I intend to get on with life and my job as you would expect me to,” she added.

Police searched the former first minister’s home in Glasgow for more than a day during the week.

Asked if she had been questioned by police, Ms Sturgeon replied: “I haven’t, but I will fully cooperate with the police as and when they request that, if indeed they do.”

She wouldn’t say whether detectives have indicated that they wish to question her.

Mr Murrell was released on Wednesday evening without charge pending further investigation.

Ms Sturgeon said that her husband was home but was “not able to say anything” about his arrest.

“Again, that’s not necessarily a matter of choice. That’s just the nature of this,” Ms Sturgeon added.

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