A convicted murderer and a second prisoner who absconded from prison on New Year’s Day has been arrested, police have said.
Following a sighting reported by a member of the public, the two men who escaped from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire have been caught.
Matthew Armstrong, 35, who was convicted of murder in 2009, was arrested near Henley-in-Arden train station by Warwickshire Police forces at just before midday on Wednesday 7 January and now remains in police custody.
Daniel Washbourne, 40, was arrested at around 1.30am today by Avon and Somerset police officers in Bristol city centre. Washbourne was initially taken to hospital after officers found him with pre-existing injuries but is also now in police custody.
Mr Armstrong was arrested on suspicion of robbery, in connection to an incident near Leyhill, which took place at around 6.45pm on Christmas Eve, the night before he absconded from the prison.
A man had broken into a home and threatened the residents before stealing a mobile phone and a sum of cash. Avon and Somerset Police said they “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 police statement added: “We’d like to thank the public for calling in with information and sightings in response to our appeals.”
Additionally, a third man was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police in Bristol on Saturday 3 January. The 39-year-old has since been charged with escaping lawful custody. He appeared at court on Monday 5 January and is set to next appear at Bristol Crown Court in February.
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