Police have intensified a major manhunt after releasing new CCTV images of two escaped prisoners, one a convicted murderer, who absconded from a South Gloucestershire prison on New Year's Day.
Fresh Sightings and CCTV Evidence
Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, fled from HMP Leyhill in Cromhall, Gloucestershire, between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday, 1 January 2026. The search, led by Avon and Somerset Police, is now focused on Bristol following a series of reported sightings.
On Saturday, 3 January, two men matching their descriptions were captured on camera in Ashley Road, Bristol, at around 10.35am, walking towards the Stokes Croft area.
Further crucial footage from Sunday, 4 January, shows a man in a distinctive burgundy coat—identical to the one Armstrong was wearing during his escape—walking along Filton Road and Gloucester Road North in Filton between 9.35am and 9.45am. The individual is seen stopping to check bus timetables.
Police believe this man continued along the same road and was later sighted in the Patchway area between 11.05am and 11.15am.
Dangerous Convicts at Large
The public is warned not to approach either man. Matthew Armstrong was convicted of murder during a robbery in Warwickshire in 2009. He is described as a white male, 5ft 9ins tall, with ginger hair and has known links to Warwickshire.
Daniel Washbourne has previous convictions for false imprisonment and violence against a person. He is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, slim, with brown hair, clean-shaven, and has connections to Herefordshire.
Third Escapee Already in Custody
Initially, three men were reported to have escaped from the Category D open prison. A 39-year-old man was arrested in Bristol on the afternoon of Saturday, 3 January. He has since been charged with escaping lawful custody, appeared in court, and is due at Bristol Crown Court next month.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to contact them immediately. The public is advised to refresh official channels for the latest updates on this developing story.
