A convicted murderer who shot a police officer has sparked a manhunt after fleeing from an open prison in Dundee.

Raymond McCourt went missing from HMP Castle Huntly, Scotland‘s only open prison, around 5.30pm on Tuesday (April 22) and authorities have warned the public not to approach the 59-year-old fugitive.

McCourt had received a life sentence for the 1993 murder of shopkeeper Khalid Mahmood, who he shot in the head. The killer then proceeded to rob a nearby bakery, before shooting local woman Moira Rooney, who survived.

Before being arrested for his crimes, he also shot PC Brian Williams, who had attempted to apprehend the murderer as he fled the scene. Two decades later in 2015, he was released from prison on licence but was recalled just weeks later after stealing from his girlfriend and “struggling to cope” with life on the outside.

Following the theft, McCourt pawned his partner’s jewellery and electronic devices for cash, which the Scottish Sun reports was spent on a £780 week-long holiday in Blackpool.

Raymond McCourt is described as being 6ft 2in tall, with a stocky build, short grey hair, and a beard. The 59-year-old has limited mobility but is known to use public transport, and police believe that he maintains connections with Glasgow and Edinburgh.

He was last seen wearing a long black trench coat, grey trousers, a grey waistcoat, a blue shirt, a red and white tie, and brown shoes, the Daily Record reports.

The Scottish Prison Service said in a statement: “I can confirm this individual is currently unlawfully at large and we are working with Police Scotland to return him to custody.”

The escapee’s description has been widely circulated, accompanied by his image. Tips regarding McCourt’s whereabouts should be communicated to officers via 101, citing reference 2857 of 22 April, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.