Fatal motorway crash probe still ongoing six months later

Greenock man David Paton, Manveer Benning, of Inverkip, who were both aged 27, and Mark Downie, 31, a former Greenock Juniors footballer, all lost their lives in the horrific smash.

They were travelling in an Audi Q7 when the vehicle careered off the M8 at Langbank and landed on its roof in a ditch at around 5am on September 19 last year.

A 35-year-old man was arrested a week later, questioned and then released without charge.

Six months on from the crash, Police Scotland have now confirmed that their probe into the matter remains 'live'.

A spokesman for the force said: "Police Scotland can confirm that enquiries remain ongoing into a fatal road crash which took place on the M8 at junction 31 westbound, on Sunday September 19, 2021.

"A 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and released pending further investigation."

The Telegraph understands that there is no indication yet of when the lengthy probe into the crash will be finished.

It is understood that that inquiry is taking some time as officers await test results and other investigative work is conducted.

It's expected they will then consult the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for guidance once this process is complete.

The senior investigating officer in the case has not been made available for comment because the arrest last year means that the case is active.

As well as Mr Paton, Mr Benning and Mr Downie, there were five other men in the Q7 at the time of the crash.

They were taken to hospital by ambulance crews and treated for serious injuries.

A full fleet of 999 vehicles rushed to the crash scene, plus the Police Scotland helicopter.

Officers erected screens along a stretch of the motorway as the investigation got under way, with the road remaining closed for more than 15 hours.

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 0860 of September 19 last year.