Two escaped prisoners, including a convicted murderer, were spotted in Bristol after fleeing an open prison on New Year’s Day
Police Release CCTV in Search for Escaped Murderer
Police have released new CCTV footage in the search for escaped murderer Matthew Armstrong, who walked out of an open prison on New Year’s Day.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Escaped Prisoners | Matthew Armstrong, 35; Daniel Washbourne, 40; Arran Thomas, 39 |
| Escape Date | January 1 |
| Location of Escape | HMP Leyhill, South Gloucestershire |
| First Sighting | January 1, 10:30 AM, Stokes Croft |
| Second Sighting | January 2, 9:35 AM, Filton |
| Third Sighting | January 2, 11:05-11:15 AM, Patchway |
| Victim of Armstrong | Paul Smith, 54 |
| Armstrong’s Convictions | 29 total, including murder and violent offences |
Footage shows men resembling Armstrong and Washbourne walking in Bristol on Saturday and Sunday. Armstrong, who was convicted of murder, escaped alongside Washbourne and one other prisoner.
The third man, Arran Thomas, voluntarily returned to police on Saturday and appeared in court on Monday. Police released footage showing two men walking towards Stokes Croft on Saturday morning just after 10:30 AM.
A second sighting on Sunday at 9:35 AM shows a man in Filton wearing a coat matching Armstrong’s. The man paused to check a bus timetable before continuing. Police believe he was seen again in Patchway later that morning.
Armstrong killed a grandfather during a robbery and received a life sentence in 2008. He has committed more violent offences while in custody. Avon and Somerset Police reported several sightings but noted the men may have left the area.
Detectives are working with police forces across the country. A police spokesperson stated they are following other lines of inquiry but cannot provide details as it may hinder the investigation.
Armstrong is described as a white male, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, with ginger hair, and has links to Warwickshire. Washbourne is described as a white male, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, slim, with brown hair, and has links to Herefordshire.
The three prisoners escaped from the open prison between 5 PM and 8 PM on January 1. Armstrong was moved to the low-security prison shortly before his escape, despite his violent history.
While at HMP Hewell, Armstrong played a key role in a seven-hour riot. He received a six-and-a-half-year sentence for this, running alongside his life sentence. In 2016, he attacked a prison officer, resulting in another three-year sentence.
Washbourne has previous convictions for violence and false imprisonment. Police warned the public to stay away from the prisoners and to call 999 if spotted, quoting reference number 5226000700.
