Two dangerous convicts, a convicted murderer and a violent offender, have escaped from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on New Year’s Day. Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne are currently on the run as Avon and Somerset Police intensify their search efforts. Another escaped prisoner, Aaron Thomas, was apprehended in Bristol and is scheduled to appear in court. CCTV footage captures Armstrong and Washbourne exiting the open prison together, both sporting hats, following their escape last Thursday evening.
Armstrong, serving a life sentence since 2009 for the murder of Paul Smith in Rugby, left with Washbourne and Thomas between 5pm and 8pm on the day of their escape. Open prisons, as described by the Ministry of Justice, offer minimal security and enable eligible inmates to engage in external activities for rehabilitation purposes.
The police have obtained CCTV footage of the fugitives on New Year’s Day, urging the public to provide any relevant information. National police systems have been alerted, and intelligence operations to track their movements are ongoing. Authorities caution against approaching the escaped men if spotted.
Armstrong, identified as a white male with ginger hair and facial scars, was last seen in a burgundy/orange coat, grey cap, tracksuit bottoms, and black boots. He has ties to Warwickshire, where he was previously convicted for a robbery-murder. Washbourne, described as a white male with brown hair, slim build, and clean-shaven, was last seen in a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, and black trainers, with connections to Herefordshire. He has a history of offenses related to violence and false imprisonment.