Met Police Search for Anthony Lloyd After Lewisham Unit Breach

A prisoner is on the run in the capital after leaving a medical facility where he had been placed for care.

The Metropolitan police have launched a manhunt for Anthony Lloyd, who is reported to have forced his way out of a health unit located in Lewisham shortly after 4pm on Friday. Police issued a statement on Saturday advising that Lloyd poses a risk both to himself and the public, urging anyone who spots him not to approach him but to call 999 immediately.

Lloyd, 38, was last seen at approximately 4.10pm on Friday. Authorities indicate he was observed heading in the direction of Catford, though they believe he could be anywhere in the capital at this time. The search has been led by Det supt Melanie Pressley, who noted officers are "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."

The circumstances surrounding Lloyd's incarceration date back to 2025. According to the Press Association, he was convicted of actual bodily harm regarding an incident in Nottinghamshire that involved three emergency services workers. He was subsequently given a 12-month custodial sentence. While serving this term, he was moved to the medical facility in Lewisham this September.

Lloyd is described by police as white, approximately 5ft 8in in height, with a medium build and short dark hair. At the time he was last seen, he was dressed in a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers. Police have also identified that Lloyd has links to several regions beyond London, including Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Merseyside. This geographic spread complicates the search, as it broadens the potential area of interest.

Investigative teams are appealing for public assistance to aid in locating Lloyd. Pressley stated, "If you have any information, however small, that could help us locate Lloyd, please get in touch with police as a matter of urgency." Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call 999 and quote the reference CAD4739/23Oct.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenge regarding the balance between managing a prisoner's medical needs and maintaining custody. While authorities have not released details regarding the specific health issues that necessitated his transfer to the unit in September, the fact that he was held in a health unit rather than a standard prison block indicates he required medical oversight. The police warning that he poses a risk to himself suggests that this medical element remains a critical factor in the search. As of this report on October 24, 2026, Lloyd remains at large.