Nicola Sturgeon has said she had “no prior knowledge” of police plans to arrest her husband Peter Murrell.

A spokesperson for the former Scottish first minister said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on a live police investigation.

“Nicola Sturgeon had no prior knowledge of Police Scotland’s action or intentions.

“Ms Sturgeon will fully cooperate with Police Scotland if required however at this time no such request has been made.”

Murrell, a former SNP chief executive, was taken into police custody earlier today in connection with an investigation into the political party’s funding and finances.

Officers are also carrying out searches at a number of addresses, including at Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon’s home in Glasgow and at SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.

Police Scotland has been investigating the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.

It is understood there have been complaints the ringfenced cash has been used improperly by being spent elsewhere.

Ms Sturgeon was asked by Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby last month whether the ongoing probe – and the pressure on her and her husband as a result – had played a part in her sudden resignation.

“No, it hasn’t. No,” the former Scottish first minister and SNP leader said.