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

Avon and Somerset Police are hunting two escaped prisoners from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire who fled between 5pm and 8pm on New Year's Day 2026. Matthew Armstrong, 35, convicted of murder in a Warwickshire robbery case in the late 2000s, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, with convictions for violence and false imprisonment, remain at large. Armstrong is described as white, 5ft 9ins, with ginger hair and forehead scars, last seen wearing a burgundy/orange coat and black boots. Washbourne is 5ft 6ins, slim, with brown hair, wearing a cream fleece and blue tracksuit bottoms. A third escaped prisoner was arrested in Bristol. Police warn the public to stay away and call 999 if spotted, as both men have violent histories.