Convicted killer and second inmate arrested after escaping from HMP Leyhill
The pair absconded from the South Gloucestershire prison on New Year's Day
Last updated 7th Jan 2026
Two men, including a convicted killer, who escaped from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on New Year’s Day have been arrested.
35-year-old Matthew Armstrong, who jailed for murder in 2009, was taken into custody near Henley-in-Arden train station by Warwickshire Police just before midday today, after a sighting reported by a member of the public.
Daniel Washbourne, 40, was detained at around 1.30am by Avon and Somerset Police in Bristol city centre.
Washbourne has previous convictions for violent offences and false imprisonment.
Officers initially took Washbourne to hospital due to pre-existing injuries before transferring him to police custody.
Armstrong is also being questioned over a robbery in a village near HMP Leyhill, which took place at 6.45pm on 31st December, the day before he absconded.
According to Avon and Somerset Police, a man broke into a home, threatened the occupants, and stole cash along with a mobile phone.
Investigations, including house-to-house visits and victim interviews, identified Armstrong as a suspect for this incident.
Background
Three men were reported missing from Leyhill prison between 5pm and 8pm on New Year’s Day.
The third individual, Aaron Thomas, was arrested in Bristol on Saturday 3rd January and charged with escaping lawful custody.
He appeared in court on Monday 5th January and will next appear at Bristol Crown Court in February.
This prompted an appeal from police to locate Armstrong and Washbourne, who were believed to have travelled out of the area in an attempt to hide from police.
Several sightings of the pair were reported in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, including CCTV footage of Armstrong in Filton on Sunday 4th January.
Police have thanked members of the public for their support and urged anyone with further information to contact 999, quoting reference number 5226000700.