A search is under way for Anthony Lloyd, 38, who forced his way out of a health unit in Lewisham, south-east London, shortly after 4pm on Friday. According to The Guardian, police say he poses a significant risk to both himself and the public. Officers are urging the public not to approach him but to contact emergency services immediately if spotted.
This story was first reported by The Guardian.
Lloyd was observed heading towards Catford following his escape, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement released on Saturday. The force has launched extensive inquiries across multiple regions, as Lloyd has known connections to Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Merseyside, in addition to the capital.
The 38-year-old was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm in relation to an incident in Nottinghamshire that involved three emergency services workers. He was sentenced to 12 months in custody and transferred to the medical facility in Lewisham in September.
Lloyd is described as white, approximately 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with short dark hair. At the time of his escape at around 4.10pm on Friday, he was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.
What are police doing to find him?
Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley, who is leading the investigation, has confirmed that officers are conducting significant inquiries to locate Lloyd and return him to custody.
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 appeal was published at 16:20 on 24 October 2026, according to the Metropolitan Police.
What should the public do?
Anyone who spots Lloyd should contact 999 without delay and provide the reference CAD4739/23Oct. Pressley emphasised that any information, however minor it may seem, could prove crucial to the search.
If you have any information – however small – that could help us locate Lloyd, please get in touch with police as a matter of urgency.
The public has been explicitly warned not to approach Lloyd under any circumstances. Instead, all sightings and information should be reported directly to emergency services.
Why is this significant?
Escapes from medical facilities raise serious questions about prisoner safety protocols and public protection. This incident reflects broader concerns about the management of offenders in healthcare settings. Similar cases have highlighted the challenges authorities face: in September 2026, police searched for Gary Anderson, 29, who failed to return from day release at Maghaberry prison after being convicted of murder, while Police Scotland traced Cliff Lyons Dobbie, a convicted child rapist who absconded during community leave in Perth in August 2026. These cases underscore the ongoing challenges in balancing offender rehabilitation with public safety.
Key Facts
- Anthony Lloyd, 38, escaped from a health unit in Lewisham on Friday at approximately 4.10pm
- He was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm involving three emergency services workers and received a 12-month sentence
- Lloyd has connections across multiple regions including Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Merseyside
- The public is warned not to approach him; anyone spotting him should call 999 immediately with reference CAD4739/23Oct
- Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley is leading the manhunt and has urged anyone with information to contact police urgently
