The Garda has been warned a dangerous murderer is on the run in Ireland after escaping from a top security hospital in Scotland.
Norman McGovern (39) slipped out of the grounds of Dykebar Hospital outside Glasgow on Wednesday and made his way to Stranraer where he boarded a ferry.
Police believe he made his way to the Republic and have warned that he is psychotic and should not be approached.
It is believed McGovern, who murdered his wife in the 1980s, may be hitch-hiking around the country or living rough. Dykebar Hospital is used to contain dangerous psychotic criminals.
McGovern slipped his guards at the hospital shortly after midday and got to Stranraer where he was seen boarding a ferry for Belfast.
A Scottish police source said McGovern is extremely dangerous and was committed to the hospital last year when officers became concerned by his safety.
"He was jailed for murdering his wife but was released in the early 1990s. Since then he has been in and out of prison but his behaviour became so dangerous that he was committed last year.
"He is extremely dangerous and it is vital that he is caught before he hurts anyone. He is a danger to himself and anyone who comes into contact with him."
McGovern, who is heavily built and six feet tall, was last seen wearing a dark blue short jacket and dark blue jeans.
"Medical staff are concerned for his personal safety and for the safety of those he may come in contact with. His behaviour is unpredictable and members of the public are advised not to approach him but to report any sightings to their nearest police office," a Scottish police spokesman said.