Two prisoners remain at large after escaping from HMP Leyhill prison in South Gloucestershire on New Year's Day. Matthew Armstrong, a convicted murderer, and Daniel Washbourne, who has previous convictions for violence, absconded between 5pm and 8pm on January 1, prompting an urgent manhunt by Avon and Somerset Police.
Armstrong, 35, is white, approximately five feet nine inches tall with ginger hair and scars on his forehead. He was last seen wearing a burgundy or orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots. The convicted murderer was sentenced in the late 2000s for killing someone during a robbery in Warwickshire, where he has known links.
Washbourne, 40, is white, approximately five feet six inches tall, slim with brown hair and clean shaven. He was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, a blue hat, and black trainers. He has previous convictions for offences of violence against a person and false imprisonment, and has connections in Herefordshire.
Police Appeal and Actions
Avon and Somerset Police have released CCTV footage showing what the men were wearing when they escaped. Officers attended HMP Leyhill at approximately 9:45pm on Thursday to begin enquiries after the prison reported the absconding.
The force said in a statement: «Two prisoners have absconded from HMP Leyhill and we want to hear from anyone who has information around their whereabouts.» Police confirmed that urgent actions have been completed, including circulating the men as wanted via national police systems.
Address checks have been made outside the force area but have proven negative so far. Intelligence work to trace the men's movements is ongoing.
Third Escapee Arrested
A third man suspected of absconding from the same facility at the same time was arrested in Bristol on Saturday. The pair still at large are not originally from the Avon and Somerset area and have links to various parts of the country.
Public Warning
Members of the public who believe they have seen either man are urged not to approach them but to call 999 immediately, quoting reference number 5226000700. Information can also be reported via 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
