THREE men have died after a car crash on the M8 motorway in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police said a blue Audi Q7 came off the westbound road near to junction 31 in Renfrewshire, west of Glasgow, at around 5.05am.

Emergency services attended but two men, both aged 27, and a third man aged 31, died at the scene.

Five other men were taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said a 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with road traffic offences following the crash.

The westbound carriageway of the M8 remains closed while an investigation by police in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde takes place.

READ MORE: Emergency services close M8 following crash near busy junction

Inspector Darren Cook, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives as a result of this crash.

“Our enquiries are currently ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and we are seeking assistance from the public to help with our investigation.

“Although this happened in the early hours of the morning, we believe there may be other road users that can help with our enquiry.

“I would ask if you were driving in the area around the time of the incident or have possible dashcam footage that you come forward and speak to officers.”

Police can be contacted by phoning 101.