NICOLA Sturgeon said it is a matter for the police whether or not they decide to investigate Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay, following the messages that led him to resign as Finance Secretary.

Mr Mackay send dozens of messages over several months to a 16 year-old school boy, telling him he was “very cute”, inviting him the Holyrood and offering to pay to take him to a rugby match.

READ MORE Mackay messages in full

Labour Leader, Richard Leonard, said the actions were “predatory” and he has faced calls to resign as an MSP.

While Jackson Carlaw challenged Ms Sturgeon at First Minister’s Questions on whether he could continue at Holyrood.

Ms Sturgeon confirmed Mr Mackay has been suspended from the SNP and from the SNP parliamentary group pending an investigation.

When asked by reporters if there should be a police investigation she said: “It would be deeply wrong for me to direct the police, that’s a matter for the police to decide.”

She said the behaviour was “unacceptable”.

READ MORE Mackay accued of predatory behaviour

Responding to Mr Carlaw she said she was not aware of any other instances of similar behaviour but added that she was only aware of the messages last night.

She said: “I’m not aware of any further contact but I was not aware of this until last evening.”

She added: “I want to make clear I do not condone in any shape or form conduct of this nature.”

She said she was not aware of the contact details of the 16 year old or his family.