POLICE Scotland have launched an inquiry into the alleged leaking of electronic messages related to the Alex Salmond trial, it is being reported.

The Crown Office has instructed officers to investigate how messages appearing to show Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell backing police action against the former First Minister were made public.

Former Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill yesterday demanded a probe after a leaked document sent to him anonymously appeared to show Murrell calling for pressure to be put on the police over the Salmond case.

Another message appeared to show Murrell supporting action by prosecutors in relation to the former First Minister.

MacAskill said he had passed the information to a Holyrood committee that is investigating the Scottish Government handling of complaints against Salmond, as well as prosecutors at the Crown Office.

He told the Record: "I can confirm that I received an anonymous letter containing a document. I have notified both Alex Salmond and the Crown and have passed it to the inquiry committee at the Scottish Parliament.

"I would like the Scottish Parliament and the Crown Office to investigate the contents of this document."

MSPs are examining the Scottish Government's botched handling of allegations against Salmond when he was first minister.

The former SNP leader took civil legal action against the Government and it was agreed the internal probe had been unlawful and tainted by apparent bias.

Separately, Salmond was acquitted of sexual offences charges at a criminal trial earlier this year.

MacAskill, a Salmond ally who is now the SNP MP for East Lothian, told the Daily Record he received an anonymous document recently.

It claims to show WhatsApp messages by Murrell in January 2019.

In another message, Murrell appears to support action by prosecutors in relation to the former First Minister.

A Police Scotland spokesman told The Courier: “The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has instructed us to investigate the potential unlawful disclosure of material. Enquiries are at an early stage.”

MacAskill, the former justice secretary in Salmond's government, yesterday called for an inquiry into Murrell, over his apparent demands for police action against Salmond.

Murrell is the longstanding chief executive of the SNP and held the job before his wife became party leader.