Bogus police may have struck a third time in South Lanarkshire

Police are investigating whether there has been a third incident in South Lanarkshire involving bogus police officers stopping motorists.

A black Astra with blue flashing lights stopped a Volkswagen Passat, in East Kilbride, at 02:15 on Wednesday.

A man dressed in a bogus police uniform asked the 31-year-old driver to get out. When he refused, the fake officer and another man drove off.

Police are examining possible links to two other incidents nearby last month.

The Astra in the latest incident had blue lights fitted in the grille.

Police said that when the driver of the Passat pulled over, near Kingsgate, the Astra driver got out and approached him.

He was dressed in an outfit that looked similar to a police uniform and asked the driver to get out the car to speak to him.

When the driver refused to do this, the suspect got back into the Astra and left.

The passenger in the Astra was dressed in dark clothing and remained standing next to vehicle. He did not approach the driver of the Passat

The Astra driver is described as white, about 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with a scruffy appearance.

Det Sgt Graeme Begley said: "Our inquiries are ongoing into this report and to establish if this incident is linked to two similar incidents on Sunday 30 October in East Kilbride and Cambuslang.

"Although we cannot confirm they are linked at this time, we are not ruling anything out.

"Officers are carrying out inquiries in the area to trace those responsible and we are looking through CCTV images to identify them."

The detective said the incidents were "concerning" and that additional patrols would be deployed in the area.

He added: "Genuine police officers will be in full uniform. All officers carry a warrant card with their photograph and details on it.

"If you have any doubt about their authenticity take a note of their details and contact your local police office through 101.

"I would urge anyone with information that may assist our investigation to contact Airdrie Police Office."