A convicted murderer has been reported missing from HMP Castle Huntly, an open prison near Dundee, sparking a nationwide police alert.
Raymond McCourt, 59, was last seen around 5:30pm on Tuesday. Police Scotland have launched a search operation and are urging the public not to approach him.
McCourt, who has limited mobility, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1993 for the murder of shopkeeper Khalid Mahmood, as well as injuring a woman and a police officer during the same incident. He stands at 6ft 2in, has a stocky build, grey hair, and was last seen wearing a black trench coat, grey trousers and waistcoat, a blue shirt, brown shoes, and a red-and-white striped tie.
Police have released both CCTV and mugshot images of McCourt, who is believed to be using public transport and may have links to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Although McCourt was previously released in 2015, he was returned to custody after a conviction for theft. It is currently unclear if he had been granted temporary release at the time of his disappearance.
Castle Huntly is Scotland’s only open prison, typically housing inmates nearing the end of their sentences or those considered low risk.
Police are appealing for any sightings or information. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 2857, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.