NICOLA Sturgeon has been released without charge, pending further investigation, after being questioned by police as part of an investigation into the SNP's finances.

A statement from Police Scotland reads: "A 52-year-old woman who was arrested earlier today, Sunday, 11 June, 2023, as a suspect 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 woman was questioned by Police Scotland detectives after she was arrested at 10.09am. She was released from custody at 5.24pm.

READ MORE: Tories call for Nicola Sturgeon to be suspended in wake of arrest

"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.

"As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further."

The probe - known as Operation Branchform - is looking at how more than £600,000 donated to the party by activists for independence campaigning has been spent.