COPS have released new CCTV in the hunt for an escaped murderer who walked out of an open prison on New Years Day.
Footage shows men resembling killer Matthew Armstrong and fellow inmate Daniel Washbourne walking the streets of on Saturday and Sunday.
Matthew Armstrong who was convicted of murder and escaped on New Year’s Day
Two men in Ashley Road, Bristol, matching the description of Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne
on New Year’s Day alongside Washbourne, 40, and one other prisoner.
The third man Arran Thomas, 39, voluntarily handed himself back to on Saturday and appeared in on Monday.
Police released the new footage last night showing the two men walking towards Stokes Croft on Saturday morning just after 10.30am.
A second sighting on Sunday at 9.35am shows a man walking in Filton wearing a matching coat to the one Armstrong wore when he escaped. The man pauses to look at the bus timetable before carrying on.
Police believe the man is seen again in the Patchway area later at 11.05-11.15am.
Armstrong killed a grandad with a brick during a robbery and was imprisoned for a life sentence in 2008. Since then he has committed more violent offences while in custody.
Avon and Police said there has been a “number of reported sightings” of the men but there was a possibility they had left the area as they have no known links to the southwest.
It said that detectives have an “open mind” and are working with police forces across the country.
A spokesperson for the police added: “Detectives are also following up on other lines of enquiry, which we are unable to go into detail about at this time, because to do so could hinder our investigation.
“Armstrong is 35 years old and described as a white, male, about 5ft 9ins, with ginger hair and has links to .
“Washbourne, 40, is described as white, male, about 5ft 6ins, slim, with brown hair, clean shaven and has links to Herefordshire.”
The three prisoners absconded from the open prison in South Gloucestershire sometime between 5pm and 8pm on January 1. Both Washbourne and Armstrong remain on the run.
Armstrong was imprisoned in 2008 for a murder that occurred during a robbery in Warwickshire.
He killed 54-year-old grandfather Paul Smith when he hit him over the head with a brick and was given a life sentence.
The prisoner was moved to the low-security prison a few weeks prior to his escape despite committing violent offences whilst behind bars.
Whilst at HMP Hewell, he had a key role in orchestrating a seven hour riot in which prisoners threw pool balls and chairs at staff.
Footage of the two men after the absconded from HMP LeyhillCredit: PA
Armstrong committed numerous violent offences while behind barsCredit: Avon and Somerset Police
Following this, he was handed a six and a half year sentence, running alongside his life sentence.
In 2016, Armstrong attacked a officer at HMP Long Lartin by kicking and punching him in the head.
The prisoner said he wanted to “teach prison officers a lesson”.
The attack left the prison officer so traumatised he left his post and Armstrong was given another three-year sentence, bringing his total convictions to 29.
In despite of his violent history, including an arson offence at a young offenders institute, Armstrong was transferred to a lower security prison by recommendation of the Parole Board.
Washbourne has previous convictions for violence and false imprisonment.
Cops warned members of the public who may spot the prisoners to stay away from them and call 999 right away quoting reference number 5226000700.
Footage of a man walking in Bristol matching the description of ArmstrongCredit: Avon and Somerset Police
Daniel Washbourne who has a history of violent offencesCredit: Avon and Somerset Police
Nearly a week after they walked out, the two men are still at largeCredit: Avon and Somerset Police
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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