A manhunt is currently underway for a restricted patient, Cliff Lyons Dobbie, who escaped from prison staff while on escorted leave in Perth city center on Thursday. Police Scotland has issued a public appeal for information on his whereabouts.
Dobbie, who also uses the name Clifford Lyons or Dobbie, was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, a salmon-colored golf shirt, a light blue jumper, light blue ripped jeans, and white trainers. He was also carrying a puffer jacket and a black backpack. Police described him as a bald, 5ft 3in tall white male with a stocky, muscular build and distinctive tattoos on both arms.
He has been held in secure facilities since 1990 following convictions for raping a 10-year-old girl in Glasgow and sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy. Dobbie was admitted to the State Hospital in Carstairs, where he has remained since the attacks.
Police Scotland is urging the public not to approach Dobbie if spotted but to report any sightings immediately. The investigation to locate him is ongoing, with NHS Tayside collaborating with the police. Dobbie has known links to Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or 999, or to speak to any officer, quoting incident number 1696 of August 6, 2026. Dobbie is currently being treated as a missing person.