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A non-recent allegation of sexual assault made against Alex Salmond has been received by police.
Mr Salmond was leader of the Alba Party up until he died suddenly aged 69 during a visit to North Macedonia last month.
The politician was first minister of Scotland from 2007-2014 under the Scottish National Party (SNP) government, but resigned from the SNP 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.
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”.
The former SNP leader, who went on to set up the Alba Party, had been speaking at a conference when he suffered a heart attack on 12 October.
His funeral was held on 29 October in Strichen, Aberdeenshire.
As well as Mr Salmond’s family, several political figures were in attendance at the service, including former speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow.
Close friend Kenny MacAskill, who has become interim Alba Party leader following Mr Salmond’s death, arrived at Strichen Parish Church, as did party chairwoman Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh.
The Scottish Government said it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.
The Independent has contacted the SNP for comment.
Source: independent.co.uk
