Fife murderer David Back is still on the loose four days after slipping away from a work placement in Edinburgh.

The 23-year-old, who had been allowed out of Saughton Prison to work in the community, absconded on Friday afternoon.

He was sentenced along with Alex Robb (36) and Ian Harkness (35) in 2001 for his part in the brutal torture and murder of a Kirkcaldy voluntary worker in the town’s Church Court the previous year.

The Scottish Prison Service learned that Back was missing within a few hours and decided against announcing the fact in a press release. They argued that had he been a risk to the public he would not have been allowed out in the first place.

Lothian and Borders Police went public with the news on Monday and Back is now actively being sought.

Fife Constabulary are known to be checking Back’s family and friends in the Levenmouth area where he lived and every effort will be made to find out why a “model” prisoner has jeopardised his parole by running away.

The SPS said some 60 or so prisoners abscond every year, usually if there are family or relationship problems, or illnesses. Most are quickly re-captured.

Back is described as white, 5ft 7in, medium build, pale complexion, green eyes, short brown hair shaved at the sides.

He was last wearing blue jeans, a striped shirt and brown boots.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said, “If anyone knows where David Back may be or recognises his description they should contact police.

“We are liasing with Fife Constabulary who are carrying out enquiries in their area.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131.