Police have launched a major manhunt after three inmates escaped from an open prison on New Year's Day, with two dangerous individuals, one a convicted murderer, still at large.
One Recaptured, Two Remain a Threat
Aaron Thomas, 39, was arrested in Bristol on Saturday and has been charged with escaping lawful custody. He is due to appear before magistrates in the city on Monday. However, the urgent search continues for his two alleged accomplices, who are considered a significant risk to the public.
Matthew Armstrong, 35, was convicted in 2009 of murder during a robbery in Warwickshire. Daniel Washbourne, 40, has a criminal history that includes offences of violence against a person and false imprisonment. Authorities have released chilling CCTV footage showing the pair walking calmly through a building with their hands in their pockets shortly after their escape from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire.
Police Appeal and Public Warning
Avon and Somerset Police issued a public appeal on Saturday evening, stating the pair are not originally from the area and have links to various parts of the country. They provided detailed descriptions of both men.
Matthew Armstrong is described as a white male, around five feet nine inches tall, with ginger hair and scars on his forehead. He was last seen wearing a burgundy or orange coat, a grey cap, grey tracksuit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots. He has known links to Warwickshire.
Daniel Washbourne is described as a white male, around five feet six inches tall, with brown hair and clean-shaven. He was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, a blue hat, and black trainers. He has known links to Herefordshire.
The force has strongly warned members of the public not to approach either man if seen. Instead, they should call 999 immediately, quoting reference number 5226000700.
Escape and Ongoing Investigation
The escape is believed to have happened sometime between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday, January 1st. HMP Leyhill raised the alarm, with officers arriving at the prison at around 9.45pm to begin urgent enquiries.
An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson confirmed that urgent actions have been completed, including circulating the men as wanted on national police systems. They added that intelligence work to trace the men's movements is ongoing.
A Prison Service spokesperson emphasised the seriousness of the offence, stating: 'Absconding is a serious criminal offence, and any prisoner who commits this crime could face longer behind bars.'
