M8 closed in both directions as police respond to reports of ‘distressed’ man

The M8 was closed in both directions near Whitburn, West Lothian due to a police incident earlier this morning.

A three hour diversion was put in place on the B7066 between Whitburn and Kirk of Shotts and the motorway reopened at about 09:00.

A police spokesman said the alert was caused by a man who appeared in a distressed state, but he is now receiving appropriate treatment.

A Traffic Scotland spokesman said: “The M8 was closed in both diretctions due to a police incident between junctions 5 and 4.

“Motorists are advised to expect longer than normal journey times.”