PROSECUTORS will have a police report on SNP embezzlement probe “in a matter of weeks,” according to Scotland’s top police officer.

Police Scotland’s investigations into allegations of misappropriation of £600,000 raised for independence campaigning — known as Operation Branchform — have been running for three years, resulting in the arrests of former party treasurer Colin Beattie, former party chief executive Paul Murrell, and his wife and former first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

All three were released without charge last year, but just weeks ago — facing mounting pressure to close the case or take action — Police Scotland rearrested Mr Murrell, charging him with embezzlement-related offences.

Quizzed about the sensitivities of pursuing the case with an election in the offing, chief constable Jo Farrell told Sky News “We’ve investigated allegations, moving on we have very skilled, professional, objective individuals working on that case.”

Refusing to be drawn on any possible further arrests or charges, Ms Farrell later commented: “What I can say is that the report to the Crown Office in relation to the man that’s been charged is a matter of weeks away.

“But it is an ongoing live inquiry.”

The SNP was contacted for comment.