‘Non-recent’ sexual assault allegation against Alex Salmond received by police
The former Scottish first minister died after a heart attack last month.
Police have received a “non-recent” allegation of sexual assault made against Alex Salmond.
The former first minister was leader of the Alba Party until his sudden death from a heart attack last month at the age of 69.
A number of allegations of sexual misconduct came to light in 2018. Mr Salmond was cleared of all 14 charges in 2020 – being found not guilty of 12, while prosecutors withdrew another charge and one was found not proven.
Police Scotland has now said a separate report of misconduct has been filed against Mr Salmond – which was first reported in The Sun.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have received a report of a non-recent sexual assault.
“The information is being assessed.”
Mr Salmond was first minister of Scotland from 2007-2014 under the SNP – he resigned from the party after the misconduct allegations.
The Sun’s report also claimed that six women approached the SNP more than two years ago to lodge complaints, alleged to be of a sexual nature, about Mr Salmond’s behaviour.
Sky News has asked the SNP whether it received six complaints in recent years about the former first minister and if they handed any information to the police.
SNP spokesperson said: “SNP disciplinary processes can only be invoked against current SNP members.”
Mr Salmond resigned from the SNP in 2018.
Alba Party General Secretary Chris McEleny likened the latest claims to “conspiracy and smears to stitch up Alex Salmond”.
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The former first minister died suddenly from a heart attack last month at the age of 69 during a conference trip to North Macedonia.
He had earlier delivered a speech before collapsing in a crowded room during lunch.
