Two pilots accused of preparing to fly a plane while under the influence of alcohol have been cleared after blood samples were destroyed by prison staff.

The prosecution against Jean-Francois Perreault and Imran Syed, who were arrested minutes before a flight from Scotland to Canada was due to take off, collapsed when it emerged the key evidence had been destroyed.

Blood tests were said to have found the Canadian pilots above the legal alcohol limit.

The case was due before Paisley Sheriff Court on Thursday, but prosecutors offered no evidence against the men and the hearing was cancelled.

Prosecutors said that after "full and careful consideration" of the facts and circumstances there would be no further proceedings in the case.