Police in Scotland and Spain have carried out a series of simultaneous pre-dawn raids following a two-year investigation into serious organised crime.

The co-ordinated operation began in both countries at 04:30 on Friday.

Eight people have been arrested by Police Scotland in Lanarkshire, Glasgow and West Lothian.

In Spain, the Guardia Civil targeted addresses in the Malaga area and Barcelona.

Det Ch Insp George Calder told BBC Scotland News the investigation was probing alleged high-level involvement in organised crime, drugs and money laundering.

He added: "This day of action has been the result of over two years of investigative work that's been carried out diligently carried out by officers not only here, but by other agencies, including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Guardia Civil.

"We have got a number of officers over in Spain, assisting the Spanish authorities with their inquiries.

"We're sharing intelligence, information and resources."

The detective said the inquiry pre-dated the gangland feud which broke out in central Scotland last year and has no connection with the killing of two senior members of the Lyons crime group in Fuengirola last May.

The two men, Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr, were shot dead at a bar after watching the Champions League Final.

A man from Liverpool, Michael Riley, has been accused of committing the double murder and was extradited to Spain last year.

Calder said: "What I would stress is that we are continually targeting those involved in serious organised crime both here and abroad.

"If you're hiding from us, if you feel that when you depart Scotland you're safe, our message is that our reach is far and wide.

"We will be working with our partners in the NCA, the Spanish authorities and other countries to ensure we bring you to justice."