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Europe January 4, 2026

MURDERER ON THE LOOSE: NATIONWIDE MANHUNT – DO NOT APPROACH!

MURDERER ON THE LOOSE: NATIONWIDE MANHUNT – DO NOT APPROACH!

A nationwide search is underway for two men considered dangerous, prompting an urgent plea from authorities: if you see either Matthew Armstrong or Daniel Washbourne, do not approach and call 999 immediately.

Matthew Armstrong, 35, was last seen wearing a distinctive burgundy and orange coat, paired with grey tracksuit bottoms accented with blue stripes, and black boots. He’s a white male, approximately 5ft 9ins tall, with striking ginger hair and visible scars on his head – features that could be key to identification.

Armstrong’s history is deeply troubling. He was convicted in the late 2000s for a murder committed during a robbery in Warwickshire, a crime that underscores the potential risk he poses. Investigators believe he may have traveled to Warwickshire, leveraging existing connections in the area.

Murderer among two violent prisoners on run after New Year's Day jail escape

Daniel Washbourne, 40, is described as a white male, around 5ft 6ins in height, with a slim build and short brown hair. He was last spotted wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, a blue hat, and black trainers – clothing that might help in recognizing him.

Washbourne’s past reveals a pattern of violent behavior. He has prior convictions for violence against individuals and the serious offense of false imprisonment, raising significant concerns for public safety. Authorities believe he may have ties to Herefordshire.

Police have already launched extensive efforts to locate the two men, circulating their images through national police systems and conducting thorough intelligence gathering. These efforts include checking addresses both within and outside their immediate areas, but so far, these searches have yielded no results.

Matthew Armstrong. Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne are understood to have left the prison, in South Gloucestershire, at some time between 5-8pm on Thursday 1 January (Picture: Avon and Somerset Police)

The priority remains the safety of the public. Law enforcement stresses that anyone who believes they have spotted either Armstrong or Washbourne should immediately contact 999, providing as much detail as possible about the sighting. Do not attempt to engage or apprehend them.

Daniel Washbourne. Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne are understood to have left the prison, in South Gloucestershire, at some time between 5-8pm on Thursday 1 January (Picture: Avon and Somerset Police)

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