‘Do not method’ warning as assassin amongst two inmates at massive after jail break
Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, absconded from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on New Year’s Day – a third, Aaron Thomas, 39, has been caught and charged
A convicted killer is among two prisoners who remain on the run after escaping from a South Gloucestershire jail on New Year’s Day. Matthew Armstrong, 35, was found guilty in 2009 of murder committed during a robbery in Warwickshire, according to police.
He and Daniel Washbourne, 40, who has prior convictions for violent offences and false imprisonment, are thought to have fled HMP Leyhill between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday.
Avon and Somerset Police issued a public appeal for information after a third prisoner, Aaron Thomas, 39, suspected of breaking out at the same time was captured in Bristol earlier on Saturday.
“Two prisoners have absconded from HMP Leyhill and we want to hear from anyone who has information around their whereabouts,” the force stated.
“The pair are not originally from Avon and Somerset and have links to various parts of the country.”
Armstrong is described as a white male approximately five feet and nine inches tall, 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,” police said, adding he has “known links to Warwickshire”.
Washbourne was described as a white male roughly five feet and six inches tall, with brown hair and clean shaven.
He was last spotted wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat and black trainers and has known connections to Herefordshire, police said. HMP Leyhill flagged the escapees on Thursday evening, with officers arriving at the scene around 9.45pm to launch their inquiry.
The force has issued CCTV images revealing what the pair were dressed in on New Year’s Day.
“Urgent actions have already been completed, including circulating the men as wanted via national police systems,” Avon and Somerset Constabulary stated.
“Intelligence work to trace the men’s movements is ongoing. Address checks have been made out-of-force too and proved negative so far.”
Members of the public who think they may have spotted either of the fugitives have been warned against approaching them.
Instead, they’ve been told to dial 999, quoting the reference number 5226000700.
A Prison Service spokesperson commented: “Absconding is a serious criminal offence, and any prisoner who commits this crime could face longer behind bars.”
Aaron Thomas will appear before magistrates in the city on Monday, January 5 charged with escaping lawful custody, Avon and Somerset Police said.
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