MSPs investigating the Scottish Government’s botched sexual misconduct probe into Alex Salmond are demanding more answers about possible missing evidence.

A Holyrood committee examining the issue is to write again to Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans about retrieving relevant computer data.

Ms Evans recently admitted emails may have been deleted automatically after 14 months, and it was “not possible technically” to identify exactly what had gone or to recover it.

She said other records would be preserved.

Nicola Sturgeon also said she would retain pertinent emails and texts.

Committee convener Linda Fabiani said the cross-party group had “a full discussion” about possible evidence gaps.

She said: “The Committee agreed to write back to the First Minister and the Permanent Secretary both for clarification and further information from the Permanent Secretary with regard to the retrieval of information.”

Mr Salmond was the subject of a Government probe last year after being accused of past misconduct by two female civil servants relating to his time in office.

He challenged the process in a judicial review, show it had been unfair, unlawful and “tainted by apparent bias”. Taxpayers have now been left with a £500,000 legal bill.

MSPs are investigating why the probe collapsed and why Ms Sturgeon continued to meet her predecessor during it.

Mr Salmond is also facing separate criminal charges, including attempted rape. He strongly denies any criminality.