Manhunt sweeps London for escaped prisoner

London streets have turned into a search zone as authorities hunt for a missing inmate who slipped away from a healthcare setting in the city's south-east.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Anthony Lloyd forced his exit from a health unit in Lewisham shortly after 4pm on Friday. He is described as a risk to himself and the public, prompting a wide-scale operation to locate him. Officers have instructed the public to keep their distance and dial 999 if they catch sight of him.

The timeline of the escape is clear. Lloyd was last seen at approximately 4.10pm on Friday. Police stated in a Saturday release that he was observed moving toward Catford at the time of his disappearance. This initial direction has helped shape the early focus of the search teams deployed across the area.

Lloyd, a 38-year-old white male, stands at 5ft 8in with a medium build and short dark hair. When he left the facility, he was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers. These specific clothing details are being highlighted in appeals to help witnesses identify him.

His background provides context for the current urgency. Lloyd was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm. The incident took place in Nottinghamshire and involved three emergency services workers. He received a 12-month custodial sentence and was later transferred to the Lewisham medical facility in September. This move from a standard prison block to a medical unit changed the nature of his confinement.

Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley is leading the investigation. She noted that officers are conducting various significant inquiries to find Lloyd and return him to custody. Pressley emphasized the concern that he poses a risk to both himself and the general public. She urged anyone who sees him to call 999 immediately and not to approach him on their own.

The search is not limited to the immediate vicinity of Lewisham. Officers believe Lloyd could be anywhere in the capital. The force also noted that he has links to several other regions. These include Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Merseyside. This network of connections may influence where he seeks shelter.

Pressley made a direct appeal to the public for any information, no matter how small. She asked that anyone with details contact police as a matter of urgency. The force is treating every clue as potentially vital in narrowing down his location. The reference number for inquiries is CAD4739/23Oct.

As the search continues into the weekend, the focus remains on rapid response. The combination of his last known location in Catford and his wider regional links means police are covering significant ground. The public is playing a crucial role in this effort. Every report could help bring the manhunt to a close and ensure Lloyd is safely back in custody.