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Murderer at large after two prisoners abscond on New Year's Day

Anyone who sees the two men are urged to please call 999 right away.

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Matthew Armstrong (left) and Daniel Washbourne (right) are understood to have absconded from HMP Leyhill on New Year's Day.
Matthew Armstrong (left) and Daniel Washbourne (right) are understood to have absconded from HMP Leyhill on New Year's Day. Picture: Avon and Somerset Police

By Poppy Jacobs

Police are searching for two prisoners who absconded from HMP Leyhill on New Year's Day.

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Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne are understood to have left the prison in South Gloucestershire around 5-8pm on Thursday 1 January. 

Both men have a history of violent offences, with Armstrong convicted of murder.

A third prisoner who is suspected of having absconded at the same time was arrested today.

Anyone who sees the two men are urged not to approach, and to please call 999 right away.

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Matthew Armstrong has been described as a white, male of about 5ft 9ins, with ginger hair and scars on his forehead.

He was last seen wearing a burgundy/orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit suit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots.

The 35-year-old has known links to Warwickshire, where he was convicted of a murder that occurred during a robbery in the late-2000s.

Matthew Armstrong was last seen wearing a burgundy/orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit suit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots.
Matthew Armstrong was last seen wearing a burgundy/orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit suit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots. Picture: Avon and Somerset Police

Daniel Washbourne, who has known links to Herefordshire, was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat and black trainers.

The 40-year-old white male is believed to be about 5ft 6ins, slim, with brown hair and clean shaven.

It is understood that he has previous convictions for violence against a person offences and false imprisonment.

Daniel Washbourne was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat and black trainers.
Daniel Washbourne was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat and black trainers. Picture: Avon and Somerset Police

Police are appealing to any members of the public who have seen the men to immediately call 999 and quote reference number 5226000700. Alternatively, those with information that may assist their enquiries should call 101.