In a startling development, a notorious killer and a violent criminal have escaped from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on New Year’s Day.
Matthew Armstrong, a convicted murderer, and his accomplice Daniel Washbourne are currently evading authorities after absconding from prison. Avon and Somerset Police are actively searching for the fugitives, having already apprehended a third escaped prisoner over the weekend.
The captured prisoner, Aaron Thomas, was taken into custody in Bristol and is set to appear in court later today. Surveillance footage reveals Armstrong and Washbourne, both wearing hats, casually exiting the facility following their escape.
The escape took place last Thursday evening when the trio left the open prison between 5pm and 8pm, according to police reports. Armstrong, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2009 for the murder of Paul Smith in Rugby, had a minimum term of 19 years.
Open prisons, as described by the Ministry of Justice, offer minimal security and enable eligible inmates to engage in work, education, or other rehabilitation activities outside the facility under supervision.
A police statement confirmed the acquisition of CCTV footage depicting the attire of the fugitives on New Year’s Day, urging the public to provide any relevant information. Authorities have initiated urgent measures, including broadcasting the suspects as wanted individuals through national law enforcement channels, while intelligence operations are ongoing to track their movements.
The statement further advised caution, recommending that individuals refrain from approaching the escaped men if spotted. Detailed descriptions of Armstrong and Washbourne were provided, with Armstrong being described as white, approximately 5ft 9ins tall, with ginger hair and facial scars, last seen wearing specific clothing items.
Armstrong has previous ties to Warwickshire, having been convicted in the late 2000s for a murder committed during a robbery in the region. Washbourne, on the other hand, is described as white, around 5ft 6ins tall, slim, with brown hair, and was last seen sporting distinctive clothing.
Washbourne has connections to Herefordshire and a history of convictions related to offenses against individuals and false imprisonment.
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