Three men sought after taxi driver robbed on motorway

A taxi driver has been robbed on a motorway in the first of a series of incidents that detectives believe are linked.

The 35-year-old driver collected three men from the Govanhill area of Glasgow who made racial remarks towards him while they were travelling in the cab before threatening him and demanding money.

The driver stopped the car on the hard shoulder of the M74 near junction two and got out. The men then stole cash and a radio before running off.

Police said the driver was uninjured but left badly shaken by the incident which happened at around 8.20pm on Saturday.

A short time later at around 8.40pm at Baronald Street in Rutherglen a 24-year-old man was trying to enter a common stairwell when two men approached him from behind, threatening him and demanding money. A third man was also there.

They are described as white with local accents, between the ages of 17 and 25 with short hair. All are described as having a medium build, around 5ft 10ins, wearing dark clothing.

Officers are also investigating a report of vandalism which occurred around 8.55pm in the Tesco car park in Dalmarnock Road where a car was damaged.

Police Scotland said it is believed the same men are responsible for the incidents due to the proximity and circumstances.

Detective Constable Neil Dooher said: It's clear from their actions that these men think they are above the law but I can assure you that is not the case.

A team of detectives is in the process of reviewing CCTV images from around these locations, gathering additional information and finding new lines of inquiry.

The behaviour of these men is unacceptable and I am appealing to local residents within these areas to speak to us and pass on any information they may have. Did you see these men, do you know them, any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove important in our investigation, please do get in touch.''

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