Police find firearm and make arrest after report of armed man on motorway

Police have arrested a 35-year-old man and recovered a firearm following reports of an armed man on a motorway slip road.

Officers said they were called to the M8 slip road at Junction 6 near Chapelhall at about 8.55am on Monday, but that the man had left the scene on foot by the time they arrived.

An “extensive” search of the area was carried out, during which police said they found and recovered a firearm.

They said they have also traced and arrested a 35-year-old man.

Officers said inquiries into the incident are ongoing, and they have appealed to the public for information.

The M8 slip road and part of the A8 eastbound at Eurocentral were closed for about seven hours while inquiries were carried out.

The road has since fully reopened.

Detective Inspector Stephanie Bertram, of Lanarkshire CID, said: “We believe this was a targeted incident and we are following a positive line of inquiry.

“The M8 would have been busy at the time and I would ask any drivers with dash-cams to please check their footage and contact us.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who may have any information surrounding the circumstances of the incident as it is vital that we find out exactly what has happened.

“Officers have already spoken to some motorists who stopped at the time of the incident and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.

“I would urgently appeal to anyone who was in the area, and who has not already spoken with us, to please do so.”

Chief Inspector Gail Nicol, local area commander, said: “We understand this incident may be worrying for the local community and I would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.”

Anyone with information can speak to officers, contact Police Scotland via 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 0602 of Monday February 3, 2025.