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Manhunt Continues for Two HMP Leyhill Absconders After New Year’s Day Escape

Officers have issued a CCTV appeal with nationwide alerts during ongoing intelligence checks.

Overview

  • Avon and Somerset Police named the pair as Matthew Armstrong, 35, a convicted murderer, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, who has prior convictions for violence and false imprisonment.
  • The men are believed to have left the open prison in South Gloucestershire between 5pm and 8pm on 1 January, with CCTV showing their last-seen clothing.
  • A third prisoner suspected of absconding at the same time was arrested in Bristol, police said.
  • Investigators have circulated the pair via national police systems and carried out out-of-force address checks with no positive results so far, with intelligence-led enquiries continuing.
  • The public are urged not to approach the men and to call 999 with sightings, quoting reference 5226000700, or to provide information via 101 or Crimestoppers.