POLICE have appealed for help in capturing two of three prisoners, one of them a convicted murderer, who went on the run on New Year’s Day.

The trio absconded from HMP Leyhill open prison, in South Gloucestershire, some time between 5 pm and 8pm on Thursday (January 1).

One man was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police in Bristol on Saturday (January 2), but Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne remained on the loose.

Murderer Matthew Armstrong went on the run from prison on New Year's Day.
Murderer Matthew Armstrong went on the run from prison on New Year's Day. (ASP)

The pair are not originally from the Avon and Somerset area, and have links to various parts of the country.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said: “We want to hear from anybody who has information around their whereabouts.

“Anybody who sees the two men are urged to please call 999 right away.”

Armstrong, aged 35, was convicted in the late 2000s of a murder which happened during a robbery in Warwickshire.

He is described as white, male, about 5 ft 9 ins tall, with ginger hair and scars on his forehead.

Armstrong was last seen wearing a burgundy/orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit suit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots.

Daniel Washbourne, convicted of violent offences, has gone on the run from HMP Leyhill.
Daniel Washbourne, convicted of violent offences, has gone on the run from HMP Leyhill. (ASP)

He has known links to Warwickshire.

Washbourne, aged 40, has convictions for violence against a person and false imprisonment.

He is described as white, male, about 5 ft 6 ins tall, slim, with brown hair, and clean shaven.

Washbourne was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat, and black trainers, and he has known links to Herefordshire.

CCTV footage showing what the men were wearing on New Year’s Day has been released by police as part of their public appeal for information.

The spokesperson said: “Urgent actions have already been completed, including circulating the men as wanted via national police systems.

“Intelligence work to trace the men’s movements is ongoing.

“Address checks have been made out-of-force, too, and proved negative so far.

“As a precaution, we would advise any members of the public who see the two men to not approach them.

“If you see either of the men please immediately call 999 and quote reference number 5226000700.

“Alternatively, if you have information that may assist our inquiries, please call 101.

“Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or via its website.

“You will not need to give your name or attend court.”