Two men who allegedly absconded from an open prison on New Year's Day have been arrested by police in separate operations across the West Country and the Midlands. The pair, identified as convicted murderer Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, left HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire between 5pm and 8pm on 1 January.
Nationwide Manhunt Ends with Arrests
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that both men were detained on Wednesday, 3 January, following a coordinated search. Matthew Armstrong was arrested by Warwickshire Police officers near Henley-in-Arden train station just before midday. His location was reported by a vigilant member of the public. Armstrong is now in police custody.
Daniel Washbourne was apprehended in Bristol city centre at approximately 1.30am. Officers discovered him with pre-existing injuries, requiring an initial visit to hospital. A force spokesperson confirmed he has since been transferred to police custody.
Further Serious Allegations Emerge
Following his arrest, Matthew Armstrong faces an additional allegation of robbery connected to an incident on New Year's Eve. Police state that at around 6.45pm on 31 December, a man forced his way into a home in a village near the prison, threatened the occupants, and stole a mobile phone and cash.
A spokesperson detailed the investigation: "Following this incident, we've carried out a number of inquiries, including interviews with the victims and house-to-house inquiries, which have led to Armstrong being arrested on suspicion of committing this offence."
Government Orders Swift Prison Security Review
The incident has prompted immediate government action. Alex Davies-Jones, a junior minister for the Ministry of Justice, informed Parliament that a review into how the men allegedly absconded will be completed within 20 days. This scrutiny highlights ongoing concerns about security protocols at open prison facilities.
This is not an isolated case from HMP Leyhill recently. Another man, aged 39, appeared at magistrates' court on Monday charged with absconding from the same prison. He was arrested in Bristol on Saturday and is scheduled to appear at Bristol Crown Court in February.
Matthew Armstrong was convicted of murder in Warwickshire in 2009. Daniel Washbourne has previous convictions for violence against a person and false imprisonment. Their recapture concludes a brief but intensive police operation to return them to custody.
