THREE men who died in a crash on the M8 have been identified.

The crash occurred when a blue Audi Q7 left the westbound carriageway near junction 31 in Renfrewshire, west of Glasgow, at around 5.05am on Sunday.

Emergency services attended but three men were pronounced dead at the scene.

They have now been named as David Paton and Manveer Benning, both 27, and Mark Downie, 31.

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

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

At the time of the crash, Inspector Darren Cook said: “Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives as a result of this crash.

“Our inquiries 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 inquiry.

“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.