A manhunt has commenced following the escape of two men, one of whom is a convicted murderer, from an open prison facility. Avon and Somerset Police have unveiled new CCTV images of Matthew Armstrong, aged 35, and Daniel Washbourne, aged 40, who absconded from HMP Leyhill on New Year’s Day.
The duo fled the prison between 5pm and 8pm on New Year’s Day. Armstrong, who is associated with Warwickshire, was convicted of a murder that occurred in the county during a robbery in the late 2000s.
Staff at HMP Leyhill reported the escape, prompting officers from Avon and Somerset Police to launch investigations at around 9.45pm. Authorities are currently examining various reported sightings they have received in recent days.
Further CCTV investigations have been conducted to track the movements of Armstrong and Washbourne. Reports indicated that two individuals matching their descriptions were spotted in Ashley Road, Bristol, at approximately 10.35am on Saturday.
On Sunday, January 4, at around 9.35am, a man was captured on CCTV walking along Filton Road and Gloucester Road North in Filton, donning a burgundy coat similar to the one worn by Armstrong upon leaving HMP Leyhill.
Authorities suspect that the individuals have no ties to Avon and Somerset and might have attempted to travel outside the area to evade capture. Armstrong is described as white, around 5ft 9ins with ginger hair, while Washbourne is described as white, around 5ft 6ins, slim, with brown hair and clean-shaven.
Aaron Thomas, aged 39, was apprehended in Bristol on January 3 and charged with escaping lawful custody. He appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on January 5 and was remanded in custody pending a court appearance next month.
Avon and Somerset Police expressed gratitude for the public’s assistance in providing information on Armstrong and Washbourne. They advised individuals not to approach the suspects but to contact authorities if they are sighted, quoting reference number 5226000700 for emergencies or dialing 101 with any relevant information to aid the investigation.