A manhunt is underway for Cliff Lyons Dobbie, a restricted patient convicted of child sexual offenses, who escaped from prison staff while on escorted leave in Perth city center on Thursday. Police Scotland is leading the search, warning the public not to approach Dobbie if sighted.
Dobbie, who also goes by Clifford Lyons or Dobbie, was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, white trainers, light blue ripped jeans, a salmon-colored golf shirt, and a light blue jumper. He was also carrying a puffer jacket and wearing a black backpack.
Authorities describe Dobbie 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. He has remained at the State Hospital in Carstairs since those offenses.
NHS Tayside is cooperating with Police Scotland in the ongoing search. Inspector Kris McCall urged anyone with information on Dobbie's whereabouts since Thursday, August 6, 2026, to contact the police immediately. Dobbie has known links to Glasgow and its surrounding areas. The public is advised to report any sightings by calling 101 or 999, or by speaking to any officer, quoting incident number 1696 of August 6, 2026.