TROUBLE AT HOME

Police search ex-FM's house as husband is arrested in party finance investigation

- CHRIS MCCALL AND LYNN LOVE

NICOLA Sturgeon's home was raided by police yesterday after her husband Peter Murrell was arrested as part of a long-running investigation into SNP finances.

The 58-year-old was led away by officers from the detached suburban house in Glasgow he shares with the former first minister at about 8am and taken for questioning.

A blue police tent was erected in the driveway as cops carried out an extensive search at the property.

Sturgeon was at home when officers arrived and neighbours later reported seeing her leaving the house.

Murrell served as SNP chief executive for more than 20 years before resigning on March 18 following a row during the party's leadership contest over the publication of membership numbers.

Police Scotland issued a statement at 9.30am yesterday confirming it had arrested a suspect "in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party".

In another statement released later in the day the force said: "A 58-year-old man who was arrested as a suspect earlier today 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.

"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.