Probe after man escapes police custody at hospital

A probe is being carried out after a prisoner escaped from police custody while at Raigmore Hospital.

File photo of two police officers. The police watchdog has identified numerous failings in the handling of the inquiry. Picture: TSPL

A search was carried out after Gavin Shand, 35, fled from the accident and emergency unit while under police supervision.

He evaded police on Friday at 10pm while receiving treatment.

He was found in the Inverness area on Saturday evening and remains in custody.

Police Scotland said Shand did not pose a risk to the public, and said he was located following a “co-ordinated operation using police resources from various divisions.”

Chief Inspector Angus MacInnes said: “I would like to thank those members of the public who assisted us in tracing Gavin Shand. A full inquiry into the circumstances which resulted in his escape has started and lessons will be learnt.”