Peter Murrell, husband of Nicola Sturgeon, was released without charge after his arrest as part of an investigation into SNP finances

PETER Murrell has been released without charge following his arrest this morning as part of an investigation into the SNP’s finances.

Nicola Sturgeon’s husband and former Nats boss was questioned by detectives as they conducted searches at various properties.

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Police have now confirmed that the 58-year-old has been released without charge pending further investigation.

The move comes amid a long-running police investigation into spending around £600,000 earmarked for the Scottish independence struggle.

Police have spent the day searching a number of properties including Ms Sturgeon’s home and the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.

Officers wearing blue rubber gloves went behind the house and were seen huddled next to a conservatory before searching a shed and moving furniture.

Several officers could also be seen searching a garden camp.

It is believed Ms. Sturgeon was then spotted around 8am boarding a waiting black Volvo X390 as teams swept her home in the dramatic early morning flash.

We’ve told how Nats bosses have been scrutinized over the past 18 months after questions were asked about almost £500,000 in ‘missing’ cash from an IndyRef2 online crowdfunder in 2017.

The police’s Operation Branchform was launched in July 2021 to investigate claims by some activists that money raised in 2017 – which SNP said was specifically earmarked for a referendum campaign – was being spent on other things.

It is also claimed that a £107,620 loan in 2021 from former chief executive Mr Murrell to bail out the Nats from “cash flow” problems is also being looked at by police as part of the investigation.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “A 58-year-old man who was arrested today, Wednesday, was charged for further investigation.

“The man was questioned by Scottish Police officers after he was arrested at 7.45am. He was released from custody at 6:57 p.m.

“As part of the investigation today, officers also conducted searches at a number of addresses.

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

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