Two violent criminals who escaped from an open prison on New Year's Day have been apprehended by police following a week-long search. The men, convicted of murder and violent offences, were captured in separate incidents near Birmingham and in Bristol.
Dangerous Fugitives Apprehended
Matthew Armstrong, 35, was arrested near Henley-in-Arden train station at around midday on Wednesday, January 7. His capture came after a member of the public reported a sighting to Warwickshire Police. Armstrong had been convicted in the late 2000s for a murder committed during a robbery in Warwickshire.
His accomplice, Daniel Washbourne, 40, was detained by officers in Bristol city centre at approximately 1.30am on the same day. The pair had been spotted in Bristol days earlier. Washbourne, who has previous convictions for violence against a person and false imprisonment, was initially taken to hospital for pre-existing injuries but is now also in police custody.
New Robbery Allegation and Prison Break
In a new development, Armstrong has also been arrested on suspicion of robbery. This is in connection with an incident in a village near HMP Leyhill that occurred at around 6.45pm on Wednesday, December 31 – the night before the pair absconded.
Avon and Somerset Police stated: "A man had forced his way into a home and threatened the occupants before stealing a mobile phone and a quantity of cash. Following this incident, we’ve carried out a number of enquiries, including interviews with the victims and house-to-house enquiries, which have led to Armstrong being arrested on suspicion of committing this offence."
The two men had absconded from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on January 1, managing to evade capture for a full week. Their escape prompted significant police appeals and public warnings.
Third Arrest and Police Thanks
The arrests did not stop with the two fugitives. Avon and Somerset Police also confirmed that a third man, aged 39, was arrested in Bristol on Saturday, January 3. He has since been charged with escaping lawful custody and appeared in court on Monday. His next appearance is scheduled for Bristol Crown Court in February.
The force expressed gratitude for the public's assistance, saying: "We’d like to thank the public for calling in with information and sightings in response to our appeals." The use of CCTV in Bristol was also a crucial factor in tracking the men's movements.
The successful conclusion to the manhunt brings relief to communities in the West Midlands and South West, following concerns over the potential threat posed by the two escaped convicts.
