Police have launched a major manhunt after a convicted murderer escaped from a Gloucestershire prison on New Year's Day. Matthew Armstrong, 34, is now at large after absconding from HMP Leyhill, a Category D open prison.
Urgent Search for Dangerous Fugitive
Gloucestershire Constabulary issued a public appeal for information on Tuesday, 2nd January, confirming Armstrong's escape. The force has warned members of the public not to approach the fugitive but to contact authorities immediately if he is seen.
Armstrong was convicted of murder in 2011 and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years. His escape from the low-security facility has raised serious questions about security protocols and risk assessments for inmates held in open conditions.
Details of the Escape and Police Response
The escape is believed to have occurred on Monday, 1st January. HMP Leyhill, located near Wotton-under-Edge, is one of only a few open prisons in the country. Such facilities are designed to hold inmates deemed to pose a low risk to the public as they near the end of their sentences, allowing them greater freedom to prepare for eventual release.
In their statement, a Gloucestershire Police spokesperson said: "We are appealing for help from the public to locate Matthew Armstrong who is wanted after absconding from HMP Leyhill. If you see him, please do not approach him and call 999 immediately quoting incident 321 of 2 January."
The police have circulated a description of Armstrong. He is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, of medium build, with brown hair and blue eyes.
System Under Scrutiny
This incident places the prison's risk assessment procedures under intense scrutiny. The escape of a convicted murderer from an open prison is a rare and serious event, prompting an internal investigation by the Prison Service.
A Prison Service spokesperson stated: "We are working closely with the police to recapture this prisoner and an investigation is underway." The statement underscores the urgency of the situation and the collaborative effort to return Armstrong to custody.
The case has ignited a debate about the placement of prisoners serving life sentences for violent crimes in open conditions. Public safety concerns are paramount, and this escape will likely lead to reviews of which inmates are eligible for transfer to low-security facilities.
Local residents in the Gloucestershire area have been advised to remain vigilant. The manhunt involves multiple police resources and is focused on locating Armstrong before he can potentially leave the region or cause further harm.
