John Swinney responds to claim SNP minister 'assaulted' Douglas Ross

JOHN Swinney has said he will "consider" the allegation made by Douglas Ross that he was assaulted by an SNP minister.

The Scottish Tory MSP raised a point of order at the end of FMQs claiming that he was "physically assaulted" and "verbally abused" by the SNP's parliamentary business minister Jamie Hepburn.

Ross alleged the incident took place on Wednesday, and called on the First Minister to make a statement.

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone told MSPs that it was a matter for Swinney to deal with under the ministerial code, while a complaint could also be made to parliamentary authority.

Speaking to journalists after FMQs, Swinney said: "Well, it's the first I've heard of it, obviously, I was away yesterday, so I don't have any intimate knowledge ... it's the first I've heard about it.

Douglas Ross claimed he was physically and verbally assaulted(Image: Scottish Parliament)

"So I'll consider these issues."

Swinney was asked if he would take action against Hepburn.

"Well, I've just said, I'll consider these issues. I've noticed the first I've heard of it."

Pressed on if he would suspend Hepburn and investigate the allegations, Swinney again said he would "consider" them.