By Danyel VanReenen,Politics Reporter

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Douglas Ross has requested “immediate” action from First Minister John Swinney after he claimed he was “physically assaulted and verbally abused” by a government minister.

The former Scottish Conservative leader accused the minister for parliamentary business, Jamie Hepburn, of “physically grabbing” him, raising his voice, and using “foul and abusive language” inside the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday.

Hepburn admitted he used language he shouldn’t have but downplayed the incident, saying he did not grab Ross and instead placed his hand on his shoulder.

Police confirmed that officers had spoken with Ross and no complaint was made.

On Friday, Ross escalated the row and wrote a letter to John Swinney raising a “formal complaint” about Hepburn’s behaviour.

“I believe his conduct is wholly inconsistent with the standards of behaviour required under the ScottishMinisterial Code,” Ross told the First Minister.

“Aggressively grabbing a fellow MSP, raising one’s voice in anger, and using foul and abusive language falls well below the standards set out in these provisions. This amounts to bullying behaviour and, in my view, is a clear breach of the Ministerial Code.

He added: “I fear for other colleagues who may be exposed to this behaviour if Mr Hepburn continues in his position of power within your government.”

On Thursday, Ross told the Scottish Parliament that he had emailed the Presiding Officer about the alleged incident. Speaking to reporters, he called for John Swinney to sack Hepburn.

Given the “seriousness of the behaviour”, Ross requested on Friday that Swinney take “immediate steps” to investigate the incident and determine whether or not Hepburn breached the ministerial code.

“I believe swift and transparent action is required to uphold confidence in the standards expected of ministers,” Ross said.

Swinney previously said he would “consider” the allegations made by Ross.

Jamie Hepburn and the First Minister’s office has been contacted for comment