Two Prisoners at Large After HMP Leyhill Escape

Two convicted prisoners, including a murderer, remain at large after escaping from a low-security jail in South Gloucestershire on New Year's Day, prompting a widespread police search across the United Kingdom.

Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, absconded from HMP Leyhill between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on January 1. Avon and Somerset Police were notified by the prison that evening and arrived at the facility around 9:45 p.m. to initiate inquiries. A third prisoner suspected of escaping at the same time was arrested in Bristol on January 3, but Armstrong and Washbourne have not been located.

Police have released CCTV images showing the men's clothing from the day of the escape as part of a public appeal for information. Armstrong, who is white, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, with ginger hair and scars across his forehead, was last seen wearing a burgundy or orange coat, a grey cap, grey tracksuit bottoms with blue accents on the sides, and black boots. He has connections to Warwickshire, where he was convicted in the late 2000s of murder during a robbery.

Washbourne, also white, stands around 5 feet 6 inches tall, has a slim build, brown hair, and is clean-shaven. He was...