Urgent manhunt for convicted child rapist who escaped from staff

A child rapist and molester is on the run after fleeing from Perth city center during escorted community leave.

Cliff Lyons Dobbie, who is a restricted patient, absconded from the Scottish city today.

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

Dobbie, who has also uses name Clifford Lyons, has been locked up in Carstairs, a facility for criminals convicted of murder and rape but who are deemed mentally ill, BBC News reports.

He is described as relatively short at 5ft 3in, of stocky and muscular build.

Dobbie is bald, has blue eyes, and has a noticeable squint, which is more apparent when he is not wearing his glasses, Police Scotland said.

He was last seen wearing white trainers, light blue ripped jeans, a salmon-colored golf shirt and a light blue jumper. He also wore a black cap and thick black-rimmed glasses, and he carried a black backpack and a black puffer jacket.

Dobbie also has distinctive tattoos on both arms.

One of the images shows two blue tiger-like eyes on his right arm, while his left arm is inked with a blue and red Rangers tattoo.

He speaks with a strong Glaswegian accent.

If seen, people should not approach him, but contact Police Scotland.

Inspector Kris McCall, Police Scotland, said: ‘We want to trace Cliff, who also uses the name Clifford Lyons or Dobbie, as quickly as possible. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has seen or spoken to him since Thursday, 6 August, 2026. He has links to Glasgow and the surrounding areas.

‘The public should not approach him but should report any sighting to Police Scotland.

‘Those with information should contact police immediately on 101 or 999, or speak to any officer. Please use incident number 1696 of 6 August 2026.’

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