Nicola Sturgeon 'deeply distressed' by arrest as former first minister releases statement

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted that she is "innocent of wrongdoing" following her arrest.The former First Minister was arrested and released without charge as part of the investigation into the SNP's finances.Sturgeon said the arrest was "both a shock and deeply distressing" in a statement released on Twitter.She also said she is "certain I have committed no offence".Sturgeon said in her statement: "To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing.“I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country.“Obviously, given the nature of this process, I cannot go into detail.“However, I do wish to say this, and to do so in the strongest possible terms.“Innocence is not just a presumption I am entitled do in law.

I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing. “To the many people who have sent messages of support over these past difficult weeks — including since today’s news broke — thank you for your kindness.“Thank you also to my close circle of family and friends who are giving me much-needed strength at this time.“Finally, while I will take a day or two to process this latest development, I intend to be back in Parliament soon where I will continue to represent my Glasgow Southside constituents to the very best of my ability.”The 52-year-old was arrested on Sunday morning and released more than seven hours later after questioning.Her husband and former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell was arrested as part of the same investigation.Then SNP treasurer Colin Beattie was also