Peter Murrell arrest: Watch as Nicola Sturgeon’s house is sealed off by cops amid SNP probe
THE home of Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell has been sealed off amid a number of searches as cops probe SNP finances.
Peter Murrell was arrested the morning and is currently being questioned after cops arrived at their home early this morning.
Police were at the street at around 8.30am this morning according to neighbours and large numbers of police began arriving shortly after that.
Outside the home of the former First Minister and her husband a large police presence developed throughout the morning.
A large police tent was set up in the front garden and police tape surrounded the house in the residential street.
Officers also stood guard around the street as the search continued.
And the force have now put up big blue barriers to hide the house while they continue to search through.
Minibuses full of officers arrived throughout the morning as Operation Branchform continues.
Peter Murrell’s black Peugeot was still in the drive way plugged into an electric charger however it is expect it will be taken away by cops.
And cops were seen scouring the back garden of the home and taking photos
Police confirmed a number of searches are currently taking in place including one at the SNP’s headquarters in Edinburgh.
Vans were seen parked in a lane near to the HQ as a string of property searches are expected.
Police Scotland have been investigating the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.
Mr Murrell stepped down as chief executive of the SNP on 18 March – a role he had held for more than 20 years – during the recent leadership campaign.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 58-year-old man has today, Wednesday, 5 April 2023, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
“The man is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.
“Officers are also carrying out searches 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 is 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.”
The SNP have said they will not be commenting amid the ongoing case but confirmed they would cooperate fully with the investigation.
They said: “Clearly it would not be appropriate to comment on any live police investigation but the SNP have been co-operating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so.
“At its meeting on Saturday, the governing body of the SNP, the NEC, agreed to a review of governance and transparency – that will be taken forward in the coming weeks.”
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