Three teenagers appeared in private at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday accused of attempting to murder a minister.

They are accused of stealing a car in Old Castle Road, Cathcart, Glasgow, last Friday and assaulting the Rev Alexander Cowie, 49, of the Free Church of Scotland.

The charge alleges the minister was clinging to the roof of the car and that the accused swerved from side to side, and braked violently with the intention of throwing him off on to the road and attempted to murder him.

Accused are Brian Paul, 17, and George Bell, 16, both of Mitchellhill Road, Castlemilk, Glasgow and a 15-year-old boy who cannot be named.

Mr Paul is also charged with driving the car while disqualified and without insurance.

Their lawyers made no plea or declaration.

Sheriff Thomas Ward remanded Paul in custody and allowed the other two accused bail pending further inquiries.