Alex Salmond denies sexual assault allegations while serving as first minister

The former premier of Scotland is taking the country's government to court over its handling of the claims

Alex Salmond has been accused of sexually assaulting two staff members during his tenure as first minister of Scotland. The politician announced last night he was taking the Scottish government to court over its handling of the claims. According to the Daily Record, the attacks took place at the first minister's official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh, in December 2013. Salmond resigned from the position in 2014 after losing the independence referendum. He said he wanted a "real court" to decide whether he had a claim to answer, in a lengthy statement. It read: "This is a procedure so unjust that even now I have not been allowed to see and therefore to properly challenge the case against me. "If I lose I will have to answer to the complaints both comprehensively and publicly. "If the Court of Session finds in my favour then the administration at the senior levels of the Scottish government will have the most serious questions to answer." A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said it would "defend its position vigorously," confirming legal proceedings had been brought by Salmond thus limiting its capacity to comment. A Police Scotland spokesman said the force was "not going to comment on whether an inquiry is ongoing." Salmond has referred the case to the Court of Session, the highest civil court in Scotland.