Camilla Jessen
Manhunt continues after Leyhill prison breakout.
A New Year’s Day prison escape in southwest England has triggered a major manhunt, with police still searching for two convicted inmates days later.
Authorities say the men fled during the early evening hours, prompting urgent national alerts.
One of the three escapees has since been caught, but the search for the remaining two continues.
Escape from Leyhill
According to Avon and Somerset Police, three inmates escaped from His Majesty’s Prison Leyhill in South Gloucestershire between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 1.
The prison reported the escape later that evening, and police officers arrived at the site by 9.45 p.m. to begin an investigation.
Leyhill is a Category D open prison, which typically houses low-risk offenders nearing the end of their sentences.
One man arrested
Police confirmed that one of the escaped prisoners, 39-year-old Aaron Thomas, was arrested in Bristol on January 3.
He remains in custody and is due to appear in court on Monday, January 5.
The other two men have not been located.
Suspects still on the run
The missing inmates have been named as Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40.
Armstrong is described as a white male, around 5ft 9in tall, with red hair and scars on his forehead.
He was last seen wearing a burgundy and orange coat, a grey hat, grey tracksuit bottoms with blue detailing on the side, and black boots.
Police said he was convicted in the late 2000s of murder during a robbery in Warwickshire.
Washbourne is described as a white male, around 5ft 6in tall, slim, clean-shaven and with brown hair.
He was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, a blue hat and black trainers. His previous convictions include violence against a person and false imprisonment.
Public warned
Avon and Somerset Police said urgent measures were taken after the escape, including circulating the men as wanted on national police systems. Officers have also checked known home addresses and are reviewing intelligence to track their movements.
CCTV images showing what the men were wearing on New Year’s Day have been released.
“As a precaution, we would advise any members of the public who see the two men not to approach them,” police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101. Members of the public who believe they have seen either man are urged to call 999 immediately.
Sources: Avon and Somerset Police
