'Blackhill Butcher' on the run from police in Scotland

Martin Hamilton earned the nickname after a 20-year period involved in Glasgow's gang culture

(PA)

A man known as the “Blackhill Butcher” is on the run from police in Scotland and officers have warned that he “may be dangerous”.

Martin Hamilton, who was released from prison in September last year, once tried to gouge out a man’s eye with a spoon.

He is wanted for breaching the terms of his licence and police have urged the public “not to approach him”.

Hamilton, from Anderston, Glasgow, was an infamous gangland figure in Scotland for around twenty years.

Before he was successfully tried for the kidnap and torture of victims he had walked free from 12 high court indictments including possession of firearms, a shooting, serious assault and robbery.

In one of the incidents an attempt was made to gouge out a man’s eye with a spoon and Hamilton reportedly tried to slice off a man’s finger with a knife.

He was also convicted of various drug dealing offences.

Hamilton had already served a nine-year sentence for trying to rob the Dunfermline Building Society in Anniesland, Glasgow, in 1992.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Hamilton was released from prison on licence in September 2014 and is now wanted in relation to a Revocation of Licence Warrant.

“He is described as white, 53 years of age and has short cropped fair hair.

“Police Scotland are concerned that Hamilton may be dangerous and would urge members of the public not to approach him but to contact the Police on 101 if he is seen.

“If anyone wishes to provide information anonymously they may do so through Crimestoppers by telephoning 0800 555 111.”