The Scottish Police Federation has spoken out after a serious crash on Glasgow's M8 which involved two officers.
We reported how 999 crews rushed to Junction 13 (Provan Interchange) on the motorway after being called to a multi-vehicle crash in the East End of the city.
Police say they were alerted to the incident shortly after 1pm on Wednesday, July 24.
Previously, the force said the smash involved three motors - and one of them was a cop car.
READ MORE: Seven in hospital - and cop fighting for life - after crash on Glasgow's M8
Following the incident, two police officers were among seven men rushed to hospital for treatment.
At the hospital, medics have described the condition of a 48-year-old officer as critical.
Meanwhile, a 38-year-old officer has also been left in a serious condition.
Now, the Scottish Police Federation has said their 'thoughts and hopes go out' to the injured police officers.
David Kennedy, general secretary of the federation said: “Our thoughts and hopes go out to our injured colleagues, their families and friends.
"Whilst occurrences of this nature are mercifully rare, what this does, is highlight the situations and the risks that police officers across Scotland take every day in keeping our communities safe.”
On top of the two cops taken to hospital, a 43-year-old man and a 39-year-old man are also fighting for their lives after the crash.
The force also said another 33-year-old man has been left in a serious condition, while a further man is being treated for minor injuries.
Additionally, a 27-year-old man - who is being treated for minor injuries as well - has also been arrested in connection with alleged road traffic offences.
READ MORE: Emergency crews race to ongoing incident as part of Glasgow's M8 'closed'
After the serious smash yesterday, officers have since revealed what happened leading up to the incident.
They said a Mercedes A45 collided with an unmarked Volvo S90 police car and a Mercedes CLS, which were on the hard shoulder of the eastbound carriageway of the road.
After the crash, officers claim that three occupants from the Mercedes A45 made off, however, three men - aged 27, 39, and 33 - were tracked down.
Now, road cops are appealing for witnesses who saw the serious crash.
READ MORE: Shocking pictures show 999 crews deal with motorway crash
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: "The investigation into this serious road crash is ongoing and I would urge anyone who has not already spoken to police to come forward with any information that may assist us.
"I would ask any drivers with dash-cam to please check their footage and contact us if it holds information relevant to this crash.
"Anyone with information is asked to please contact 101 quoting reference number 1672 of July 24."
(Image: Newsquest)
Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors said: “Our thoughts are very much with our two colleagues, one of whom has been critically injured, and the members of the public also critically injured in this incident.
“The two officers have put themselves in harm’s way carrying out their duties and we are immensely proud of the work they and colleagues do every day to keep communities safe.
“We will provide them and their families all the support they need at this difficult time.”
In pictures captured by the Glasgow Times at the scene, multiple emergency crews - including police, fire, and ambulance teams - can be seen dealing with the crash.
On top of that, the three motors involved can be seen severely damaged.
The Scottish Ambulance Service previously confirmed they were in attendance at the crash.
READ MORE: Two cops raced to hospital after smash on Glasgow's M8
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted at 1.12pm on Wednesday, July 24 to reports of a collision involving three vehicles on the M8 near junction 13 eastbound.
“Operations control mobilised five fire appliances and firefighters assisted emergency service partners at the scene.
“Four casualties were in the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”
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