Nicola Sturgeon's statement in full: “I know for a fact that I'm innocent”

Nicola Sturgeon said 'I'm grateful that so many people continue to believe in me' Photo: ROBERT PERRY/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Nicola Sturgeon said her arrest was “shocking and deeply distressing” and that she was “not guilty of any wrongdoing.”

In a Twitter statement , she added that she was grateful that so many people “continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I will never do anything that harms neither the SNP nor the country.”

She said that should take “a day or two to process this latest development” but intends to return to the Scottish Parliament to “continue to represent her constituents from the Glasgow Southside”.

Ms Sturgeon visited the “arranged” police station on Sunday morning, where she was arrested at 10:09 a.m. and taken into custody by officers as part of Operation Branchform.

Detectives questioned the 52-year-old woman about “funding and Scottish National Party finances” until 17:24. She was then released without charge pending further investigation.

Read her statement in full below.

To find myself in the situation I find myself in today, where I am certain that I have not committed any wrongdoing, is both shocking and deeply saddening.

I know this ongoing investigation is difficult for people and I am grateful for that. many continue to show me faith and appreciate that I will never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country.

Obviously, given the nature of this process, I cannot go into details. However, I want to say this and do it in the strongest terms.

Innocence is not just a presumption to which I am entitled by law. I know for a fact that I am actually innocent of any wrongdoing.

To the many people who have sent messages of support during these past difficult weeks, including since today's news broke, thank you for your kindness.

Thanks also to my close circle of family and friends who give me much needed strength at this time.

Finally, although it will take me a day or two to process this last event, I intends to return to Parliament soon where I will continue to represent my constituents from Glasgow, Southside, to the best of my ability.