Matthew Armstrong, 35, escaped from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on New Year’s Day, prompting a police warning to the public.
Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, escaped from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire between 5pm and 8pm on New Year’s Day. Police have launched an urgent appeal for information about their whereabouts.
Armstrong, who has links to Warwickshire, was convicted of murder during a robbery in the late 2000s. He is described as a white male, about 5ft 9in tall, with ginger hair and facial scarring on his forehead. He was last seen wearing a burgundy/orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots.
Washbourne is also a white male, approximately 5ft 6in tall, slim, with brown hair and clean-shaven. He was last spotted in a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, a blue hat, and black trainers. Police noted that he has prior convictions for violence and false imprisonment.
Authorities have warned the public not to approach either man. They have released CCTV images from the time of their escape to aid in their capture. An Avon and Somerset Police representative stated, “We want to hear from anyone who has information around their whereabouts.”
Police arrived at the prison around 9.45pm on January 1 to begin their investigation. They have checked addresses linked to the fugitives but have not yet found them. The public is urged to call 999 if they see either man and quote reference number 5226000700. For other information, they can call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555111.
| Name | Age | Height | Description | Last Seen Wearing | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Armstrong | 35 | 5ft 9in | White male, ginger hair, facial scarring | Burgundy/orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit bottoms, black boots | Murder |
| Daniel Washbourne | 40 | 5ft 6in | White male, brown hair, clean-shaven | Cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat, black trainers | Violence, false imprisonment |
