Police in the South West of England have launched a major manhunt after two men, including a convicted murderer, absconded from an open prison on New Year's Day.
Who Are the Escaped Prisoners?
Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne left HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on 1 January. The pair are now the subject of an urgent search operation led by Avon and Somerset Police.
Officials have confirmed that Armstrong is serving a sentence for murder, while Washbourne is a violent offender. The authorities have stressed that both men pose a potential risk to the public.
Urgent Public Warning Issued
In a stark public safety notice, Avon and Somerset Police have explicitly warned members of the public not to approach either man if they are seen. Instead, anyone with information is urged to contact the police immediately by calling 999.
The force is actively pursuing all lines of enquiry to locate the two absconders. The escape from the Category D open prison has raised serious questions about security protocols and risk assessments for inmates.
What Happens Next?
The incident has triggered a significant multi-agency response. The prison service is working closely with the police to recapture the two men and understand the circumstances that led to their absconding.
Such escapes, while rare from open conditions, prompt reviews of inmate placement procedures. The primary focus for now remains on locating Armstrong and Washbourne and ensuring public safety across the region.
