Raymond McCourt: Murderer missing from prison near Dundee

A convicted murderer has been reported missing from an open prison near the Scottish city of Dundee.

HMP Castle Huntly informed police of the disappearance of Raymond McCourt, 59, at 17:30 on Tuesday.

Police are searching for McCourt who has “reduced mobility”. They have warned the public not to approach him.

He was given a life sentence in 1993 for the murder of shopkeeper Khalid Mahmood and for injuring a woman and a policeman.

He stands at 6ft2in, has a stocky build and grey hair and was last seen wearing a long black trench coat, grey trousers and waistcoat, blue shirt, brown shoes and a red and white tie.

Police Scotland say he uses public transport with connections to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

In 2015, McCourt was released from prison but returned after being convicted of theft.

Castle Huntly is Scotland’s only open prison.

It is not clear whether McCourt was away from the prison on license when he disappeared.

Police have asked for sightings or information to be reported via the number 101, quoting reference 2857. Anonymous information can be provided via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.