A convicted killer has escaped from a Scottish jail sparking an urgent manhunt.
Raymond McCourt murdered a newsagent by shooting him in the head in 1993.
The 59-year-old was jailed for life but was reported missing yesterday evening from HMP Castle Huntly, an open prison near Dundee.
The public have been advised not to approach him, with police adding that they believe he has connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The killer is also said to use public transport.
McCourt was 27 at the time when he shot Khalil Mahmood before attempting to rob a nearby bakery.
Local Moira Rooney and PC Brian Williams were also shot, with PC Williams trying to chase down the gunman as he fled the scene.
McCourt was charged with murder, attempted murder, assault and robbery, assault to severe injury and firearms offences.
Raymond McCourt, 59, murdered Khalil Mahmood, a newsagent, by shooting him in the head in 1993
The gunman was last seen wearing a long black trench coat, a blue shirt with a red and white tie as well as a grey waistcoat, grey dress trousers and brown shoes
McCourt was reported missing yesterday evening from HMP Castle Huntly, an open prison near Dundee, launching an urgent manhunt
McCourt – who is described as 6ft 2in with a stocky build, short grey hair, a beard, and reduced mobility – was released from prison on license in 2015 but was sent back the same year as he was ‘struggling to cope’ with life outside prison.
The gunman was last seen wearing a long black trench coat, a blue shirt with a red and white tie as well as a grey waistcoat, grey dress trousers and brown shoes.
A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson confirmed with STV News that ‘this individual is currently unlawfully at large and we are working with Police Scotland to return him to custody.’
Police Scotland have asked the public to come forward with any information or sightings that will help track down the murderer.
This can be passed onto officers via 101, quoting reference 2857 of 22 April, 2025.
They added that anyone wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
