POLICE are appealing for information about two violent prisoners who absconded from an open jail on New Year’s Day.
Murderer Matthew Armstrong (above, left) and Daniel Washbourne (right), who has convictions for violence against a person and false imprisonment, are believed to have left Leyhill Prison, near Thornbury, at some time between 5pm and 8pm.
Armstrong, aged 35, is serving a sentence for murdering a man during a street robbery in 2008. He was given a minimum sentence of 19 years and was also convicted of a violent assault on a prison officer while an inmate in a closed prison in 2017.
He is described as white and about 5ft 9in tall, with ginger hair and scars on his forehead.
When last seen he was wearing a burgundy and orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots.
Before being jailed he lived in Rugby, Warwickshire.
Washbourne, aged 40, is white, about 5ft 6in tall and slim, with brown hair.
When last seen he was clean shaven and wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat and black trainers
He has known links to Herefordshire.
A third man who suspected of absconding at the same time was arrested by Avon and Somerset police in Bristol earlier today.
Call 999
Officers are appealing to anyone who sees Armstrong or Washbourne to call 999 straight away.
A police spokesperson said: “HMP Leyhill reported the absconders to us on Thursday evening and officers attended the location at about 9.45pm to begin carrying out enquiries.
“CCTV footage showing what the men were wearing on New Year’s Day has been obtained, and we are releasing this today as part of our public appeal for information.
“Urgent actions have already been completed, including circulating the men as wanted via national police systems. Intelligence work to trace the men’s movements is ongoing.
“Address checks have been made out-of-force too and proved negative so far.
“As a precaution, we would advise any members of the public who see the two men to not approach them.
“If you see either of the men please immediately call 999 and quote reference number 5226 000 700.”
Anyone who thinks they know where the men are should call the police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via its website.