Jason Mills arrested near Bristol Temple Meads after escaping from open prison

A convicted murderer who failed to return to prison after a scheduled appointment has been successfully recaptured, police have confirmed. Jason Mills, 49, was serving a life sentence for murder at HMP Leyhill near Thornbury, Gloucestershire, when he went missing on Wednesday.

Mills had attended an appointment at Bridewell Police Station in Bristol city centre that morning but did not return to the open prison afterwards. Following his disappearance, Avon and Somerset Police launched a public appeal on Thursday to locate him, warning the public not to approach him.

On Friday, police confirmed that Mills was arrested by British Transport Police near Bristol Temple Meads, the city’s primary train station.

Avon and Somerset Police expressed gratitude to members of the public for their assistance with the appeal, stating: “The public’s support with our inquiries makes a significant difference.”

Mills has been serving a life sentence since his murder conviction in 2001.