Police did not raise the alarm over a murderer on the run for 48 hours, MPs heard.

Three convicts, including killer Matthew Armstrong, vanished from HMP Leyhill on New Year’s Day, triggering a fresh justice crisis.

An urgent probe into the blunder has been ordered, as police officers scramble to find the fiends.

Aaron Thomas, 39, was arrested in Bristol on Saturday. 

But Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “A murderer is on the loose. A murderer and a violent offender. Once again, the Justice Secretary’s strongest ever checks have been a resounding failure.

“Once again, there is a manhunt underway. Precious police resources are being wasted to fix Calamity’s latest c***-up.

“Where is the Justice Secretary?

“The Ministry of Justice seems to lose its Secretary of State as much as it does its prisoners.

“Has his aunt taken him to the January sales to find him a new suit just in case he gets let loose on PMQs again?

“Why was someone who robbed and brutally killed a man by bashing him on the head with a brick, a man who led a prison riot and attacked prison officers repeatedly, deemed safe for open prison?

“Why does it take 48 hours to raise the alarm?

“How many other murderers are there in open prisons?

“Once again, the safety of the public is being compromised.”

Armstrong was convicted of murder in 2009 after hitting 54-year-old grandfather Paul Smith over the head with a brick and was handed a life sentence, with a minimum of 19 years.

He also attacked a prison officer by kicking and punching them in head and was a vital part of a mutiny in which 13 men launched pool balls at staff.

Whilst at HMP Hewell, he had a big hand in orchestrating a seven hour riot which saw pool balls and chairs thrown at staff.

Daniel Washbourne, 40, is also still on the run.

Justice Minister, Alex Davies-Jones, told MPs: “On the first of January, three prisoners absconded from HMP Leyhill. This was discovered during routine roll-check and their absence was followed up immediately.

“On the third of January, the police issued a public appeal to assist with their search. As stated, one of the prisoners, Aaron Thomas, has since been arrested.

“The other individuals remain unlawfully at large.”

“These individuals had been moved to open conditions at different points in 2025, after recommendations from the independent Parole Board.

“There was no recent intelligence to suggest absconding.”

Former minister Esther McVey raged: “Police said the prisoners who absconded from the open prison, Leyhill, are dangerous and should not be approached by the public.

“How can any prisoner described as dangerous and should not be approached be in an open prison?

“It defies logic”.

Ms Davies-Jones insisted: “At the time of the risk assessments, no concerns were raised.”