Police have launched a major search for a convicted child sex offender who disappeared while being escorted by prison staff in Perth city centre.
Cliff Lyons Dobbie, also known as Clifford Lyons or Dobbie, fled from officers on Thursday, August 6, during escorted leave.
Police Scotland is treating him as a missing person and has appealed to the public for information that could help locate him.
Police Release Description of Missing Man
Authorities have issued a detailed description of Dobbie in an effort to help members of the public identify him.
He is described as a bald white man standing around 5ft 3in tall, with a stocky, muscular build.
Police said he has distinctive tattoos covering both arms.
At the time he disappeared, Dobbie was reportedly wearing a black baseball cap, white trainers, light blue ripped jeans, a salmon-coloured golf shirt and a light blue jumper.
He was also carrying a puffer jacket and wearing a black backpack.
Public Warned Not to Approach Him
Police have urged anyone who sees Dobbie not to approach or confront him.
Instead, members of the public are being asked to contact Police Scotland immediately and provide details of his location.
Officers are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen or spoken to him since Thursday.
Inspector Kris McCall said police were working to trace Dobbie as quickly as possible and noted that he has connections to Glasgow and surrounding areas.
Dobbie Has Been in Secure Care Since 1990
Dobbie has been held in secure facilities since 1990 following serious sexual offences against children.
He was convicted of raping a 10-year-old girl in Glasgow and sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in a field.
Following the offences, he was admitted to the State Hospital at Carstairs, where he has remained for decades as a restricted patient.
His disappearance during escorted leave has now prompted an urgent effort involving police and health authorities.
NHS Tayside Assisting With the Search
NHS Tayside is understood to be working alongside Police Scotland as officers continue efforts to establish where Dobbie has gone.
Police are examining possible sightings and information from the public as they try to retrace his movements after he escaped in Perth city centre.
The circumstances of his disappearance have heightened the urgency of the search because of his history of serious offences against children.
Police Issue Direct Appeal for Information
Inspector McCall said anyone who had seen or spoken to Dobbie since August 6 could have information that may assist investigators.
Police have stressed that the public should not attempt to detain him themselves and should instead report any sighting immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or 999, speak directly to a police officer, and quote incident number 1696 of August 6, 2026.
The search remains ongoing as officers work to locate the missing restricted patient and return him to secure care.
