Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, left the prison in South Gloucestershire between 5pm and 8pm on New Year’s Day
A man with links to the Midlands is one of two inmates have escaped from an open prison.
Matthew Armstrong, 35, was in jail close to Bristol before absconding, prompting police to launch an urgent appeal for information about their location.
Daniel Washbourne, 40, also absconded from HMP Leyhill at the same time – between 5pm and 8pm on New Year’s Day, according to officers. A third individual believed to have escaped from the establishment simultaneously was detained in Bristol this morning (Saturday, January 3).
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Armstrong, who has connections to Warwickshire, was found guilty of a murder that occurred in the county during a late 2000s robbery, according to police.
He has been described as a white male, approximately 5ft 9in tall, sporting ginger hair and facial scarring on his forehead. He was last spotted wearing a burgundy/orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit suit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots.
The public has been warned against approaching either of the two fugitives who continue to evade capture. Authorities have issued CCTV images of both individuals from their departure date in an effort to trace them.
An Avon and Somerset Police representative stated: “Two prisoners have absconded from HMP Leyhill and we want to hear from anyone who has information around their whereabouts.
“Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne are understood to have left the prison in South Gloucestershire at some time between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday 1 January. The pair are not originally from Avon and Somerset and have links to various parts of the country.”, reports Bristol Live.
“Anyone who sees the two men are urged to please call 999 right away.”
Washbourne is described as a white male, approximately 5ft 6in tall, slim, with brown hair and clean-shaven. He was last seen donning a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, a blue hat, and black trainers.
Police stated they ‘understood’ he had prior convictions for violence against an individual and false imprisonment.
HMP Leyhill reported the absconders to Avon and Somerset Police on Thursday evening, and officers arrived at the prison around 9.45pm to commence enquiries.
Police forces in other parts of the country have inspected addresses associated with the duo, but have yet to locate them. Efforts to trace the men through intelligence work are still underway.
The public is urged to dial 999 immediately if they spot either of the men and quote reference number 5226000700. Alternatively, anyone with information that could aid police investigations is asked to call 101.
Crimestoppers can be reached anonymously on 0800 555111 or via their website. The police confirmed that anyone providing information will not need to disclose their identity or appear in court.