Police Search London for Prisoner Who Escaped From Lewisham Medical Facility

A manhunt is under way in London for a prisoner who police say "poses a risk both to himself and the public" after he got out of a medical facility in the south-east of the city.

The Metropolitan police said Anthony Lloyd forced his way out of a health unit in Lewisham shortly after 4pm on Friday. The force has told members of the public not to approach him and to call 999 if they spot him.

In a statement issued on Saturday, police said Lloyd was seen heading in the direction of Catford. He was last seen at about 4.10pm on Friday.

According to the Press Association, Lloyd was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm. The offence related to an incident in Nottinghamshire that involved three emergency services workers. He was given a 12-month custodial sentence and sent to prison, and in September he was moved to the medical facility in Lewisham.

Lloyd is 38 years old. Police describe him as white and about 5ft 8in, with a medium build and short dark hair. When last seen he was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

Det supt Melanie Pressley, who is leading the search, said officers were "conducting various significant inquiries to find Lloyd and return him to custody." She added: "We are concerned he poses a risk both to himself and the public, and would urge anyone who sees him to call 999 immediately. Do not approach him."

Pressley also appealed for help from anyone with relevant details. "If you have any information, however small, that could help us locate Lloyd, please get in touch with police as a matter of urgency," she said.

Officers believe Lloyd could be anywhere in the capital. Police also say he has links to a number of other areas: Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Merseyside.

Anyone with information is asked to call 999 and quote the reference CAD4739/23Oct.