Police probe new sexual assault claim against Alex Salmond weeks after heart attack death

Police have received a "non-recent" allegation of sexual assault made against Alex Salmond, who was leader of the Alba Party up until his sudden death last month.

Mr Salmond died of a heart attack on October 12 during a political visit to North Macedonia.

His funeral was held on October 29 in Strichen, Aberdeenshire.

Mr Salmond was first minister of Scotland from 2007-2014 under the Scottish National Party (SNP) government.

He resigned in 2018 after a number of allegations of sexual misconduct came to light.

He was later cleared of all 14 charges in 2020 - being found not guilty of 12, while prosecutors withdrew another charge and one was found not proven.

Giving evidence, Salmond acknowledged he should have been "more careful with people's personal space".

His own defence lawyer, Gordon Jackson, referred to his behaviour as "inappropriate" and "touchy-feely" during cross-examination.

Police Scotland has now said a separate report of misconduct has been filed against Mr Salmond.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we have received a report of a non-recent sexual assault.

"The information is being assessed."

Responding to coverage of the allegations reported by the media, Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny said the claims are "smears" and urged for Mr Salmond to be allowed to "rest in peace".

He also pointed the finger at Mr Salmond's successor as First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, posting on X: "Nobody in Scotland would take any of these smears one bit seriously if the magic anonymity order wasn't in place that covers up that the allegations came from people that worked for Nicola Sturgeon or relied on Nicola Sturgeon for their inflated salaries."

In a statement subsequently issued to the , he added: "In life the conspiracy and smears to stitch up Alex Salmond by the close allies, appointees, staff and advisors of Nicola Sturgeon were unanimously rejected in Scotland's highest criminal court by a majority female jury who listened to the evidence.

"If Nicola has any heart left she will urge her allies to cease these attacks and smears on Alex and allow him to rest in peace."

The Scottish Government said it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.