A MANHUNT has been launched after a notorious murderer escaped from a Scottish jail.
Raymond McCourt, 59, is on the run from HMP Castle Huntly, near Dundee.
He was reported missing to police at around 5.30pm yesterday evening.
Police say McCourt has connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh and was last seen dressed smartly.
The public are being asked not to approach him.
McCourt was jailed for life in 1993 for the brutal murder of a newsagent.
The maniac was 27 when he shot Khalid Mahmood in the head before attempting to rob a nearby bakery.
During the terrifying incident McCourt also shot local woman Moira Rooney and PC Brian Williams, who was giving chase as the gunman fled the scene.
In 2015, he was released from prison on licence.
But was soon sent back the same year after he was said to be “struggling to cope” with life outside prison.
McCourt went back to prison after stealing valuables from his girlfriend within weeks of his release.
He stole jewellery, cash, watches, mobile phones and a video camera from her home and pawned them for about £780 to fund a week-long holiday to Blackpool.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Hunt for ‘loverboy’ lag who had fling with nurse & prison officer at SAME time – as 4 women held for ‘helping him flee’” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6370686948112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]He is described as being 6ft 2in tall, stocky build with short grey hair and beard and has reduced mobility.
He was last known to be wearing a long black trench coat, grey dress trousers, a grey waistcoat, blue shirt with a red and white tie and brown shoes.
Cops are appealing for any information that could help to trace the prisoner.
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.