Manhunt launched for murderer on the loose after fleeing jail - 'do not approach' warning

are hunting a who is on the run from prison. Raymond McCourt, 59 and originally from Glasgow, went missing from HMP Castle Huntly, near Dundee, yesterday.

People are urged not to approach him but to call police immediately. The force says McCourt uses public transport and has links to the Glasgow and Edinburgh areas.

A picture has been released of the 59-year-old, who is described as being 6ft 2in tall, stocky build with short grey hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a long black trench coat, grey dress trousers, a grey waistcoat, a blue shirt with a red and white tie, and brown shoes.

McCourt was 27 years old when he fatally shot Cambuslang shopkeeper Khalid Mahmood in the head. He then tried to rob a nearby bakery before shooting local woman Moira Rooney and PC Brian Williams, who was giving chase as the gunman fled the scene.

After being arrested, he was handed a life sentence for charges including murder, attempted murder, assault and robbery, assault to severe injury and firearms offences.

After being released from prison in 2015, he was recalled after stealing from his girlfriend, as reported by the McCourt stole jewellery, cash, watches, mobile phones and a video camera from her home and pawned them for about £780 while she was away for the weekend.

He was since incarcerated at Castle Huntly which is Scotland's only open prison. It has a capacity for 284 male inmates and prepares prisoners for release under "low supervision".

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Any sightings or information can be passed to officers via 101, quoting reference 2857 of 22 April, 2025. Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."