Nicola Sturgeon has been taken into custody after being arrested in connection with the investigation into the Scottish National Party's finances.

The former first minister of Scotland and ex-leader of the SNP is currently being questioned by detectives, having been detained as a suspect.

Earlier, Ms Sturgeon's husband, Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the party, was arrested alongside Colin Beattie, the former treasurer. Both men were subsequently released without charge, pending further inquiries.

In 2021, Police Scotland initiated Operation Branchform, a long-running inquiry linked to the expenditure of approximately £600,000 raised by supporters specifically for Scottish independence campaigning.

Complaints have arisen suggesting that the ringfenced funds may have been improperly used for other purposes.

According to a statement by Police Scotland, "A 52-year-old woman has today, Sunday, 11 June 2023, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party."

"The woman is currently in custody and is being questioned by detectives from Police Scotland."

"A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service."

As part of the investigation, the SNP headquarters and the homes of Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell have been previously searched by the police.

Additionally, a luxurious motorhome worth £100,000 was seized from outside Mr Murrell's mother's home in Dunfermline, Fife.

The SNP has stated that it has been "fully cooperating" with the investigation and will continue to do so.