Police are investigating potential sightings of a convicted murderer who absconded while on his way to the Highlands.
Specialist officers from across Scotland have been drafted in to join the hunt for James Casey, who failed to return to HMP Castle Huntly near Dundee after day release last week.
Casey, from Invergordon, was given a life sentence for battering father-of-two, Ian MacBeth, with a hammer and leaving him to die in a wood in 1990.
He was released after serving 11 years of his life sentence in October 2002 – but within weeks he robbed a post office in West Lothian and was jailed for 14 years.
The Press and Journal understands that the 50-year-old was due to travel to Inverness on day release on Thursday, but failed to return to Castle Huntly by 8pm as planned. The prison service contacted the police at 9pm on the night.
It is also believed that it was not the first time that Casey had been granted day release in recent months.
A police spokesman moved to reassure local residents that every effort was being made to locate the prisoner.
He said: “Police Scotland wish to reassure the public that extensive enquiries are still ongoing to trace James Casey who failed to return to HMP Castle Huntly after a day release.
“There are a number of dedicated operational and specialist officers across Scotland working on this and all potential sightings are being followed up.
“It is therefore important for the public to remain vigilant and if Casey is seen, he should not be approached and Police Scotland should be contacted as soon as possible.”
Casey was convicted at the High Court in Inverness of murdering Mr MacBeth, 37, who was the manager of Invergordon Social and Recreational Club.
The victim was struck at least eight times on the head with a hammer during the attack, before being taken in a car to a remote wood and given another beating and then being left with a broken neck to die alone.
Casey, who was then aged 26, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, which was reduced to 11 on appeal. Co-accused George McNairn, then aged 23, was cleared of murder, but found guilty of robbery and sentenced to 18 months.
David Stewart, Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “The public are obviously concerned about the potential for having a murderer in the ranks, but clearly this is a top priority for the police and they will be using all available resources to apprehend him.
“I’m just a little bit surprised that he was able to escape. There may be some questions for Castle Huntly in this.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: “We will obviously co-operate fully with our colleagues in Police Scotland to ensure this individual is returned as soon as possible.”
Police urged anyone with information on Casey’s whereabouts to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.