A manhunt has been launched for two dangerous inmates after they absconded from custody on New Year’s Day.
Avon and Somerset Police said Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne, both of whom have histories of violent offending, remain at large. Armstrong has previously been convicted of murder.
The pair are believed to have left HMP Leyhill, in South Gloucestershire, between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday January 1.
Neither are originally from the Avon and Somerset area and are understood to have links to several parts of the country.
A third man suspected of absconding at the same time was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police in Bristol earlier on Friday.
The prison alerted police to the escape on Thursday evening, with officers attending the site at about 9.45pm to begin enquiries.
Detectives have since obtained CCTV footage showing what the men were wearing on New Year’s Day, which has now been released as part of a public appeal to help trace them.
Matthew Armstrong, 35, is described as white, male, about 5ft 9ins, with ginger hair and scars on his forehead.
Matthew Armstrong was previously convicted of murder
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AVON AND SOMERSET POLICE
Police have said he was last seen wearing a burgundy or orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit suit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots.
He was convicted in the late-2000s of a murder that occurred during a robbery in Warwickshire.
Armstrong has known links to Warwickshire.
Daniel Washbourne, 40, is described as white, male, about 5ft 6ins, slim, with brown hair and clean shaven.
Daniel Washbourne is said to have previous convictions for violence against a person offences and false imprisonment
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AVON AND SOMERSET POLICE
He was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat and black trainers.
Washbourne is said to have previous convictions for violence against a person offences and false imprisonment.
The man has known links to Herefordshire.
Avon and Somerset Police have said that “urgent actions” had already been take, including circulating the men as wanted via national police systems.
The force said that intelligence work to trace their movements is currently ongoing.
They have also performed address checks, although they have proved negative so far.
Police have advised the public not to approach the two men if seen in public as a precaution.
