Manhunt for convicted child rapist who escaped from staff while on leave

A manhunt has been launched for an escaped sex offender who was being held in secure units after raping a 10-year-old girl.

Cliff Lyons Dobbie, who is classified as a "restricted patient", absconded from Perth city centre in Scotland while on escorted community leave on Thursday.

He was convicted of raping a 10-year-old girl in Glasgow in 1990, while he was on bail for sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy.

Since his sentencing, Dobbie has been housed in secure units, including the psychiatric facility of State Hospital Carstairs.

Police Scotland warned the public not to approach him and described Dobbie as a white man, around 5ft 3in tall, who speaks with a strong Glaswegian accent.

Officers said he has a stocky and muscular build, adding he is bald with blue eyes and a "noticeable squint" - said to be more obvious when he is not wearing his glasses.

He was last seen wearing white trainers, light blue ripped jeans, a salmon-coloured golf shirt and a light blue jumper. He also wore a black cap and thick black-rimmed glasses.

Police also said he has distinctive tattoos on both arms, including an image of two blue tiger-like eyes on his right arm and a blue and red Rangers tattoo on his left arm.

Dobbie was also carrying a black backpack and a black puffer jacket, the force said.

He uses both Clifford Lyons and Dobbie as his last name, according to police.

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Inspector Kris McCall, of Police Scotland, said in an appeal for information that the convict has "links to Glasgow and the surrounding areas".

He also warned: "The public should not approach him but should report any sighting to Police Scotland.

"I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has seen or spoken to him since Thursday. Those with information should contact police immediately."

(c) Sky News 2026: Manhunt for convicted child rapist who escaped from staff while on leave