A murderer is among a trio who escaped from prison just miles from Wiltshire on New Year’s Day – sparking a nationwide manhunt.
Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne are believed to have left HMP Leyhill, in South Gloucestershire, between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday 1 January.
The men are not originally from the area – and are known to have links to other parts of the country.
Armstrong, aged 35, is described as white, male, about five feet nine inches tall, with ginger hair and scars on his forehead.
He was last seen wearing a burgundy or orange coat, a grey cap, grey tracksuit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots.
He has known links to Warwickshire and was convicted in the late 2000s of a murder committed during a robbery in the county.
Washbourne, aged 40, is described as white, male, about five feet six inches tall, slim, with brown hair and clean shaven.
He was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, a blue hat and black trainers.
He has known links to Herefordshire and is understood to have previous convictions for violence against a person offences and false imprisonment.
A third man who was suspected of absconding at the same time was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police in Bristol earlier today (Saturday).
The prison reported the absconders on Thursday evening, with officers attending the site at about 9.45pm to begin enquiries.
CCTV footage showing what the men were wearing on New Year’s Day has now been obtained and released as part of the public appeal.
Police say urgent actions have already been taken, including circulating the men as wanted on national police systems.
Intelligence work to trace their movements is ongoing, with out-of-force address checks carried out so far proving negative.
As a precaution, members of the public are advised not to approach either man.
Anyone who sees Armstrong or Washbourne is urged to call 999 immediately and quote reference number 5226000700. Information that may assist enquiries can also be reported by calling 101.
