In a startling turn of events, two inmates have managed to escape from prison, raising significant concerns for public safety. One of these individuals is Matthew Armstrong, a convicted murderer who was sentenced in the late 2000s for a crime committed during a robbery in Warwickshire. He absconded from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on New Year's Day, alongside another prisoner, Daniel Washbourne, who has a history of violent offenses.
The Avon and Somerset Police reported that the duo likely left the open prison between 5 PM and 8 PM GMT on January 1st. Authorities have indicated that neither of the escapees is local to the area and that they possess connections to various regions across the country. In light of this situation, the police are urging anyone who spots them to immediately dial 999.
Interestingly, a third man believed to have escaped at the same time was apprehended in Bristol on Saturday, hinting at a possible network of escapees. Open prisons like HMP Leyhill feature minimal security measures, allowing eligible prisoners to spend most of their days outside the facility for work, educational pursuits, or reintegration efforts, as explained by the Ministry of Justice. The operational capacity of HMP Leyhill is approximately 825 inmates.
Police have proactively released CCTV footage detailing what the escapees were wearing on the day they vanished. Matthew Armstrong, aged 35, was last seen donning a burgundy or orange coat, a grey cap, grey tracksuit bottoms with blue accents, and black boots. He is described as a white male, standing around 5 feet 9 inches tall, with ginger hair and noticeable scars on his forehead. Authorities confirmed that he maintains known connections to Warwickshire.
On the other hand, 40-year-old Daniel Washbourne is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, slim, with brown hair and clean-shaven. When he fled, he was reportedly wearing a cream-colored fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, a blue hat, and black trainers. Washbourne has known ties to Herefordshire and a concerning background, including previous convictions for violent offenses and false imprisonment.
The absconders were reported to the police by HMP Leyhill on Thursday evening, prompting law enforcement to respond to the prison around 9:45 PM GMT to initiate their investigation. Police have implemented 'urgent actions' to locate the escapees, including issuing alerts through national police systems. Ongoing intelligence efforts are focused on tracing the movements of both men, while other police forces are investigating known addresses linked to them but have yet to succeed in locating either individual.
A spokesperson from the Prison Service underscored the severity of the offense of absconding, stating that any prisoner who engages in such behavior could face extended periods behind bars. They further emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling on anyone who may have relevant information to contact the authorities.
