Two prisoners have absconded from a UK prison, police have said. Avon and Somerset Police issued on January 3 an urgent appeal as they are trying to trace the two men who allegedly left the South Gloucestershire prison.
Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, left HMP Leyhill at some time between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday, January 1. Police have now issued a public appeal for information, urging the public to call 999 immediately if they see the prisoners. Officers have released pictures of Armstrong and Washbourne, adding that a third man suspected of absconding at the same time was arrested in Bristol earlier today (Saturday, January 3).
Armstrong, who has links to Warwickshire, was convicted in the late-2000s of a murder that occurred during a robbery. He is desxrived as white, male, about 5ft 9ins, 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.
Meanwhile, Washbourne has previous convictions for violence against a person offences and false imprisonment. He has known links to Herefordshire.
Police describe the 40-year-old as white, male, about 5ft 6ins, slim, with brown hair and clean shaven. He was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat and black trainers.
As part of their appeal, police have released CCTV images of the men from New Year’s Day. The force added that “urgent actions” are being carried out to find them, including intelligence work to track their movements.
Avon and Somerset Police say: “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.”
