> At a Glance
> – Two of three men who escaped from His Majesty’s Prison Leyhill on Jan. 1 remain at large
> – Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, were both convicted of serious violent crimes
> – A third escapee, Aaron Thomas, 39, was arrested in Bristol on Jan. 3
> – Why it matters: Police warn the public not to approach the fugitives and to call 999 if spotted
Three inmates walked out of a South Gloucestershire prison on New Year’s Day, and 48 hours later only one is back behind bars. Police have launched a nationwide search for Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne, both serving time for violent offenses.
The Escape
Staff at His Majesty’s Prison Leyhill realized the trio was missing sometime after 5 p.m. on Jan. 1. Officers arrived at 9:45 p.m. and began tracking their movements.
Aaron Thomas, 39, was caught in Bristol on Jan. 3 and is due in court Monday, Jan. 5.
Who Is Still Missing
Authorities have released detailed descriptions:
- Matthew Armstrong – 35, 5’9″, red hair, scarred forehead; last seen in a burgundy-orange coat, gray hat, gray bottoms with blue stripe, black boots. Convicted of murder during a robbery in Warwickshire in the late 2000s.
- Daniel Washbourne – 40, 5’6″, slim, brown hair, clean-shaven; last seen in a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat, black trainers. Previous convictions include violence against a person and false imprisonment.
CCTV & Public Appeal
Police have circulated the men as nationally wanted and shared CCTV footage of their New Year’s Day clothing. Their home addresses have already been checked.
Avon and Somerset Police stated:
> “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.”
They added:
> “As a precaution, we would advise any members of the public who see the two men to not approach them.”
Key Takeaways
- Two violent offenders remain on the run after a Jan. 1 prison break
- Aaron Thomas was recaptured in Bristol; court date set for Jan. 5
- Sightings should be reported to 999; other info to 101
The manhunt continues as police follow fresh leads across the country.
