New CCTV released in hunt for convicted murderer after prison escape

Police have released CCTV footage believed to be of a convicted murderer and a second prisoner who escaped from prison on New Year’s Day.

Avon and Somerset Police said they had received reports of sightings of Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne, who escaped from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire.

Armstrong, 35, was convicted of murdering someone during a robbery in Warwickshire in 2009, while Washbourne, 40, has previous convictions for violence against a person and false imprisonment.

Police said two men matching their description were photographed on Ashley Road in Bristol at 10.35am on Saturday morning and were seen walking towards the Stokes Croft area.

Police said he was later seen walking along Filton Road and then Gloucester Road North in Filton between 9.35am and 9.45am on Sunday, stopping at one stage to look at bus timetables.

The man is wearing the maroon jacket that Armstrong wore when he left HMP Leyhill.

Police believe the man continued walking along the same road and was seen in the Patchway area between 11.05am and 11.15am.

Police said neither Armstrong nor Washbourne were known to have any connection to Avon and Somerset and believed there was a “distinct possibility” they had traveled outside the area.

Armstrong is described as white, male, around 1.90m tall, with red hair, and has connections to Warwickshire.

Washbourne is described as white, male, around 6ft tall, slim, with brown hair, clean shaven, and has links to Herefordshire.

Avon and Somerset Police said 39-year-old Aaron Thomas was charged with escaping prison after being arrested in Bristol on Saturday and appeared in court on Monday.

The force added that he will attend Bristol Crown Court next month.