The public has been advised not to approach a prisoner who escaped police custody while on escort in Edinburgh.

Ryan Gandy, 34, went missing from the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh at about 5pm on Wednesday and has yet to be found by police.

Police are appealing for information on Mr Gandy’s whereabouts. The prisoner was last seen at Crewe Road South in Edinburgh.

Mr Gandy is described as being about 6ft tall, of slim build with dark receding hair. He was wearing a blue Nike dry-fit top, black jogging bottoms, dark-coloured trainers, and a black Hoodrich gilet when he escaped and has a tattoo with the word ‘Katy’ on his right arm and scars on both sides of his face.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police Scotland is appealing for information on the whereabouts of 34-year-old Ryan Gandy who went missing from the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh around 5pm on Wednesday, 22 November, 2023.

“Officers are carrying out extensive searches and reviewing CCTV in an effort to trace him.

“Members of the public are advised not to approach Mr Gandy if they see him but to contact police immediately.

“Anyone who knows of his present whereabouts should contact Police Scotland on 101, or in an emergency on 999. Please quote incident number 2515 of Wednesday, 22 November, 2023.

“Information can also be passed via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”