A crazed motorist grabbed another driver's keys and launched them across a busy motorway during a rush-hour road rage row.

The vicious van driver screeched to a halt, jumped out of his white vehicle and punched the 30-year-old man on the M8 in Glasgow on Thursday.

He lost his temper and pulled the victim's keys from the ignition before throwing them across the carriageway.

It is understood the altercation was sparked by a row about overtaking.

Police said the incident took place shortly before 6pm on the busy motorway near Charing Cross.

The victim - who was driving an Alfa Romeo - eventually recovered his keys and made his way home where he contacted cops.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Officers received a report of an assault on the M8 in Glasgow at around 5.50pm on Thursday February 25.

"Inquiries are continuing."

Sources said the livid van driver punched the window of his victim's car before he began raining down blows on the young man.

The suspect is described as between 6ft and 6ft 2in tall, with a beard and of stocky build.

He was driving a white Mercedes van.

Detectives are now reviewing CCTV footage in a bid to trace the van and driver.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.