Two high-risk prisoners, including a convicted murderer, are the subject of a major police manhunt after escaping from a Gloucestershire jail on New Year's Day.
Dangerous Duo Flees Open Prison
Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, absconded from HMP Leyhill on Monday, 1 January. Leyhill is an open prison in Gloucestershire, a category often used for inmates nearing the end of their sentences. The escape triggered an immediate and urgent search operation by Avon and Somerset Police, who are leading the investigation.
CCTV Images Place Fugitives in Bristol
Officers have now released crucial CCTV footage in a bid to track the men down. The images show two individuals matching the descriptions of Armstrong and Washbourne on Ashley Road in Bristol at approximately 10.35am on Saturday, 6 January.
Further footage from the following day, Sunday 7 January, captures a man walking along Filton Road and then Gloucester Road North in Filton between around 9.35am and 9.45am. Police are urging the public to study these images carefully but warn against approaching the men.
Violent Histories of the Escaped Inmates
The backgrounds of the two fugitives underscore the seriousness of the search. Matthew Armstrong is serving a life sentence for murder after killing a man in Warwickshire.
His accomplice, Daniel Washbourne, has previous convictions for serious offences including false imprisonment and violence against a person. The public is advised to call 999 immediately if they are seen and not to attempt to apprehend them.
This remains a breaking news story, and police have assured the public that all available resources are being used to recapture the two escaped inmates. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
