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Hunt continues for escaped Warwickshire murderer - more details released

Local News by James Smith 5th Jan 2026  
Matthew Armstrong has escaped from prison (images via Avon and Somerset Police)
Matthew Armstrong has escaped from prison (images via Avon and Somerset Police)
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The hunt for a convicted Warwickshire murderer is now into its fourth day after he absconded from prison.

Matthew Armstrong is one of two prisoners to abscond from HMP Leyhill on Thursday 1 January. 

The 35-year-old is still missing alongside fellow escapee Daniel Washbourne.

Officers successfully arrested a third inmate Aaron Thomas on Saturday (January 3) who is also believed to have escaped prison.

Thomas, 39, has been charged with escaping from lawful custody and is set to appear at Bristol Magistrate's today (January 5).

Armstrong has been in prison after being found guilty of murder during a robbery in the late 2000's.

He was convicted for killing 54-year-old Paul Smith in Rugby town centre.

Mr Smith had been returning home from the pub when he was attacked by Armstrong and his 14-year-old accomplice who beat him around the head with a brick.

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The pair then robbed him of his phone and wallet and left him on the pavement in a pool of blood.

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

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

Armstrong still has known links to Warwickshire. 

Washbourne, 40, has links to Herefordshire and has convictions for violence and false imprisonment. 

     

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