Scotland police launch manhunt for escaped child rapist

A major manhunt is underway in Scotland for a convicted child rapist who escaped from prison staff while on escorted community leave. Clifford Lyons Dobbie, a 50-year-old restricted patient detained in secure psychiatric facilities since 1990, absconded in Perth city center on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Police Scotland, supported by NHS Tayside, is leading the urgent search for the fugitive and has issued a detailed public appeal for information.

The escape occurred during a supervised outing. Dobbie is described as a white male, 5 feet 3 inches tall, with a stocky, muscular build, a bald head, and blue eyes. He has a distinctive squint, which is reported to be more noticeable when he is not wearing his thick black-rimmed glasses. He also has prominent tattoos on both arms: two blue tiger-like eyes on his right arm and a blue and red Rangers tattoo on his left. Authorities say he speaks with a strong Glaswegian accent.

When last seen, Dobbie was wearing a black baseball cap, a salmon-colored golf shirt, a light blue jumper, light blue ripped jeans, and white trainers. He was carrying a black backpack and a black puffer jacket. Police have warned the public not to approach him...