An urgent manhunt is underway for a convicted child rapist and molester who escaped from police custody in Perth city centre during escorted community leave. Cliff Lyons Dobbie, a restricted patient at Carstairs, a high-security facility for criminals deemed mentally ill, absconded on Thursday, 6 August 2026, according to Police Scotland.
Dobbie, who also uses the name Clifford Lyons, was convicted of raping a 10-year-old girl in Glasgow while on bail for sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1990. He has been detained at Carstairs, which houses offenders convicted of murder and rape but who are considered mentally ill, as reported by BBC News.
Physical Description and Last Sighting
Police Scotland describes Dobbie as relatively short at 5ft 3in, with a stocky and muscular build. He is bald, has blue eyes, and has a noticeable squint, which is more apparent when he is not wearing his glasses. He speaks with a strong Glaswegian accent.
He was last seen wearing white trainers, light blue ripped jeans, a salmon-coloured golf shirt, and a light blue jumper. He also wore a black cap and thick black-rimmed glasses, and carried a black backpack and a black puffer jacket. Dobbie has distinctive tattoos on both arms: one image shows two blue tiger-like eyes on his right arm, while his left arm features a blue and red Rangers tattoo.
Police Appeal and Public Warning
Inspector Kris McCall of 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.’
McCall added: ‘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.’
Background and Risks
Dobbie’s escape raises significant public safety concerns given his history of violent sexual offences against children. He was on escorted community leave from Carstairs, a facility that manages some of Scotland’s most dangerous offenders. The authorities are urging anyone who sees him to avoid direct contact and report the sighting immediately.
The manhunt is focusing on Glasgow and surrounding areas, where Dobbie has known links. Police are reviewing CCTV and conducting house-to-house inquiries in Perth and beyond. The public is reminded to stay vigilant and report any information that could assist in his recapture.
