A convicted killer has gone on the run after absconding from Barlinnie prison.

People are urged not to approach Walter Bett, 39, who was last seen at around 8.25am on Tuesday near Crow Wood Golf course in Muirhead, Glasgow.

He was in the city on an external work placement from HMP Barlinnie.

Bett was first jailed for culpable homicide in 1996.

Then, in 2008, he went back to prison for attempted murder after slitting the throat of a 50-year-old man in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

He subjected victim Alex Poole to an hour-long attack, stabbing him, hitting his body and stamping on his head before cutting his throat.

Mr Poole was discovered and taken to hospital, but was left brain-damaged and in need of 24-hour care.

Bett is described as 5ft 8in, of stocky build, with short receding brown hair and brown eyes.

When last seen he was wearing a black padded jacket , striped navy top, blue jeans and black Nike trainers with red laces and sole, a grey baseball cap and carrying a rucksack.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "Officers are advising members of the public not to approach Mr Bett if they see him but to contact police.

"Anyone with information about where he is should contact Cumbernauld Police Station via 101, or in an emergency, then on 999. Please quote reference number 0965/31/10/17.

"Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called in confidence on 0800 555 111."