Convicted murderer Matthew Armstrong and violent offender Daniel Washbourne go on the run from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire
The hunt is on for two prisoners who have absconded from prison - and one is a murderer.
Police have sent out an urgent alert for information on the whereabouts of Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne, who left HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire, at some stage between 5pm and 8pm on New Year’s Day. Anyone who sees the two men are urged to call 999 immediately.
Matthew Armstrong, 35
Armstrong is white, male, about 5ft 9in, with ginger hair and scars on his forehead. He was last seen wearing a burgundy/orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit suit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots. He has links to Warwickshire and was convicted in the late 2000s of a murder that occurred during a robbery in Warwickshire.
Daniel Washbourne, 40
Washbourne is white, male, about 5ft 6in, slim, with brown hair and he is clean shaven. He was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat and black trainers. He has connections to Herefordshire and police say he has previous convictions for violence against a person offences and false imprisonment.
A third man who is suspected of absconding at the same time was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police in Bristol today.
HMP Leyhill reported the absconders to police on Thursday evening and officers attended the prison at about 9.45pm to begin carrying out enquiries. CCTV footage shows what the men were wearing on New Year’s Day.
A police spokesman said: “Urgent actions have already been completed, including circulating the men as wanted via national police systems. Intelligence work to trace the men’s movements is ongoing. Address checks have been made out-of-force too and proved negative so far.
“As a precaution, we would advise any members of the public who see the two men to not approach them. If you see either of the men, pictured, please immediately call 999 and quote reference number 5226000700. Alternatively, if you have information that may assist our enquiries, please call 101.”