Police have launched a manhunt for a convicted child rapist who absconded from staff while on escorted community leave in Perth city centre. Cliff Lyons Dobbie, who is classified as a restricted patient, escaped from those supervising him on Thursday, August 6. Police Scotland has warned members of the public not to approach him and to contact officers immediately if he is spotted. Dobbie was convicted of raping a 10-year-old girl in Glasgow in 1990 while he was on bail in connection with the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old boy. Since being sentenced, he has been held in secure units, including the State Hospital at Carstairs.

Police issue description of escaped offender

Dobbie is described as white, around 5ft 3in tall and having a stocky, muscular build. He is bald with blue eyes and has a noticeable squint which police say is more apparent when he is not wearing glasses. He speaks with a strong Glaswegian accent. When last seen, Dobbie was wearing white trainers, light blue ripped jeans, a salmon-coloured golf shirt and a light blue jumper. He was also wearing a black cap and thick black-rimmed glasses and was carrying a black backpack and black puffer jacket.

Distinctive Rangers and tiger-eye tattoos

Police said Dobbie has distinctive tattoos which could help members of the public identify him. These include a tattoo depicting two blue tiger-like eyes on his right arm and a blue and red Rangers tattoo on his left arm. He is known to use both Clifford Lyons and Dobbie as surnames. Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish his whereabouts following his disappearance from Perth. Members of the public are being urged not to approach Dobbie if they see him and instead contact Police Scotland.