M74 scam warning

MOTORISTS were warned yesterday about two men involved in a series of scams on the M74 in South Lanarkshire.

They have been flagging down cars near the slip road at Canderside Toll, near Larkhall, and on the hard shoulder near Lesmahagow and Douglas.

They claim to have run out of petrol while taking a sick relative, or wife in labour, to hospital and have tried to swap worthless jewellery for cash.

The suspects are described as being in their thirties or forties with dark complexions. They claim to be a variety of different nationalities and speak English with a foreign accent.

The vehicle involved is described as black and similar to a BMW or a Nissan Primera.

Sgt Claire Campbell from Strathclyde Police said: "It is extremely dangerous to stop on a motorway or any of its slip roads. If you see someone who you think is in need of assistance then please contact the police when it is safe to do so.

"It is possible they may change vehicles to avoid detection."

She added: "Regrettably, there are numerous con artists out there who will try anything to gain people's trust and then betray that trust by duping them into handing over their cash."