Police manhunt as convicted criminal escapes from custody in Edinburgh

SCOTTISH police have launched a manhunt after a convicted prisoner gave guards the slip while he attended a funeral.

Jamie Ross, 29, was last seen in Edinburgh on Tuesday at about 12.28pm, near the Cameron Toll shopping centre.

According to police, Ross has connections across Edinburgh and in Aberdeen.

Police have told people not to approach him, but instead contact them immediately to help trace him.

He has been described by police as white, 5ft 9in with dark hair and bushy eyebrows, blue eyes and a tattoo of the word “Dad” on his right hand.

He was last seen wearing a black puffer jacket, dark trousers and grey trainers.

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton of Police Scotland said: “Extensive inquiries are ongoing to trace Jamie with support from specialist officers.

“While Jamie is believed to have connections to the south of Edinburgh we are keeping an open mind regarding his whereabouts at this time and would urge anyone with information to please get in touch.

“Anyone who sees a man matching Jamie’s description is advised not to approach him but to instead contact Police Scotland urgently on 101, quoting incident number 1458 of Tuesday April 23.”

A spokesperson for prisoner transportation service GEOAmey added: “Our officers recognise the emotional significance of events such as funerals and try to show compassion and understanding whilst escorting persons in custody.

“It is therefore disappointing when this is abused and used as an opportunity to evade detention.”

The Scottish Prison Service says it cannot comment on individual cases, but says it is working with police to trace his whereabouts.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that this individual is currently unlawfully at large we are working with Police Scotland to return him to custody.”