Urgent ‘do not approach’ warning after convicted murderer escapes prison

Police have warned the public to ‘not approach’ Raymond McCourt (Picture: Police Scotland)

An urgent hunt has been launched for a convicted murderer who has escaped prison.

Raymond McCourt,59,was reported missing from HMP Castle Huntly in Dundee early on Tuesday evening.

Police Scotland have warned peopleto not approach him.

McCourt was jailed for life in 1993 after murdering shopkeeper Khalid Mahmood and for shooting a woman,Moira Rooney,and PC Brian Williams.

He was found guilty of murder,attempted murder,assault and robbery,assault to severe injury and firearms offences.

He was freed in 2015 but returned to prison after stealing his partner’s valuables from her home and selling them.

He is described as 6ft 2in,stocky with grey hair and a beard.

McCourt also has reduced mobility,and was last known to be wearing a long black trench coat,grey trousers,a grey waistcoat a blue shirt with a red and white tie and brown shoes (Picture: Police Scotland)

McCourt also has reduced mobility,a grey waistcoat a blue shirt with a red and white tie and brown shoes.

The Scottish Prison Service said: ‘I can confirm this individual is currently unlawfully at large and we are working with Police Scotland to return him to custody.’

HMP Castle Huntly is the only open prison in Scotland,which holds ‘low supervision’ male criminals.

Prisoners are prepared for outside life inside the jail ahead of release.