The former first minister was arrested on Sunday morning and questioned for around seven hours before being released without charge pending further investigation.

On Monday, the party confirmed to Sky News it will not be removing Ms Sturgeon, who is still an MSP, from the party.

Following her release from custody, the 52-year-old said she would "never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country" and described the situation as a "shock and deeply distressing".

She added: "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 to in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing."

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Police Scotland launched Operation Branchform into the SNP's funding and finances back in 2021.

The long-running inquiry is linked to the spending of around £600,000 raised by supporters to be 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, the MSP for Glasgow Southside, is the third high-profile SNP politician to be arrested in connection with the probe.

Her husband, ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were both arrested and later released without charge back in April.