A GREENOCK teenager has appeared in court charged with causing a smash involving two police cars on the M8.

Kieran Gray, 17, appeared in private at Paisley Sheriff Court accused of stealing a car from the Gallowgate in Glasgow city centre before leading police on a high speed chase that ended in a crash on the M8 - closing one lane at rush hour on Monday morning.

Gray is charged with driving dangerously through streets in Paisley, and failing to stop for officers in Mill Street. He is then accused of failing to stop at a series of red lights in Paisley and driving along the Gilmour Street pedestrian walkway, causing people to take evasive action.

Gray, of Neil Street, is then alleged to have driven west on the M8 at speeds in excess of 70mph before colliding with a police car, causing it to hit the central reservation where it was extensively damaged. The charge further alleges he then collided with another police vehicle, causing it to leave the carriageway. He is also accused of having no driving licence or insurance.

Co-accused Christopher Cummings, of Stafford Way, Greenock, also appeared in the dock on a series of charges.

Cummings, 22, is charged with stealing a car in Glasgow before driving it on Nitshill Road and Greenock Road, Paisley, with no insurance.

Gray, represented by defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher, and Cummings, represented by Gerry Keenan, made no plea or declaration on Tuesday. Both men will appear again at a later date.