Police search following reports of armed man near motorway

Police have closed part of a motorway as they search for an armed man.

Police Scotland said they received a report of “a man with a possible weapon” on the M8 slip road at Junction 6 eastbound in North Lanarkshire at about 8.55am on Monday.

The force said in a statement: “Police are in attendance and a search of the area is being carried out.

“Specialist officers are also in attendance, as a precaution, and extensive inquiries are ongoing.”

“The M8 is closed at junction 6 eastbound for Newhouse and Chapelhall and motorists are advised to avoid the area while investigations are carried out.”

The slip road on the A8 eastbound at Eurocentral is also closed.