Two convicted criminals who escaped from a Midland prison at the start of the year are now back in custody after a week-long manhunt.
Details of the escape and arrests
Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, absconded from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on New Year's Day. The pair remained at large for nearly a week before being apprehended in separate incidents.
Armstrong was spotted by a vigilant member of the public near Henley-in-Arden railway station just before midday on Wednesday, 7 January. Warwickshire Police were alerted and moved in to make the arrest. He was also arrested on suspicion of a robbery that occurred in a village near the prison on New Year's Eve, the night before his escape. In that incident, a man forced entry into a home, threatened the occupants, and stole a mobile phone and cash.
Washbourne was detained by officers in Bristol city centre at around 1.30am on the same day. He was taken to hospital for treatment of pre-existing injuries before being transferred to police custody.
Background of the fugitives
Both men have serious criminal histories. Matthew Armstrong was convicted of murder in 2009 for killing someone during a robbery in Warwickshire. Daniel Washbourne has previous convictions for offences including false imprisonment and violence against a person.
A third man, aged 39, was arrested in Bristol on Saturday, 3 January, in connection with the incident. He was subsequently charged with escaping lawful custody and appeared in court on Monday, 5 January. He is next due to appear at Bristol Crown Court in February.
Conclusion and ongoing procedures
The swift recapture of the two fugitives concludes a significant search operation involving multiple police forces. Their return to custody underscores the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the public, whose tip-off was crucial in locating Armstrong.
The case highlights the procedures followed when prisoners abscond, involving immediate risk assessment, public notification where necessary, and coordinated police action. Both men now face further legal proceedings related to their escape and additional alleged offences.
