Police are warning the public to steer clear of an escaped convict, who was serving a life sentence for cutting off a man's head.
John Bowden, aged 51, had been on temporary release from Noranside prison in Scotland but failed to return to the institution at the agreed time, raising the alarm.
Bowden, who was convicted of murdering park keeper Donald Ryan in 1982, was last seen near a Tesco store local to the prison.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) warned of Bowden's danger and encouraged the public to be wary of coming into contact with him.
He added: "John Bowden is unlawfully at large. If anyone is aware of his whereabouts, they should contact the police."
The escapee, who is five foot, seven inches tall and of medium build, was transferred to the Scottish prison in October 2007, where he was being tested in open prison conditions.
At his trial, Bowden was ordered to serve a minimum term of 25 years in prison, but after going on the run to visit his sick father in 1992 whilst on compassionate leave the term was extended.
He was due to be considered for parole this month and rumoured to be in a relationship with a woman living in Scotland.
The south-east Londoner, along with two accomplices, mutilated Mr Ryan with a handsaw while he was still alive after robbing his flat.
Mr Justice Mars-Jones said at his trial: "There was never a more terrible case of murder than this one."
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