An urgent manhunt is under way in London after a 38-year-old prisoner forced his way out of a medical unit in Lewisham on Friday afternoon, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.
Search focused on south-east routes towards Catford
Officers say the man, identified as Anthony Lloyd, was last seen at about 4.10pm on 23 October leaving the facility and heading in the direction of Catford. The Met has appealed for anyone who spots him to dial 999 immediately and to avoid approaching him.
Police describe Lloyd as white, around 5ft 8in, of medium build with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey‑blue t-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers when he was last seen.
Officers warn of risk to public and himself
Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley, leading the investigation, said officers were carrying out "various significant enquiries" to trace Lloyd and return him to custody. Her office stressed the search covers the capital and surrounding counties owing to the prisoner’s known links.
"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 Met has said Lloyd has connections beyond London, including Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Merseyside, and officers do not rule out sightings across the wider south‑east and beyond.
Background to custody and transfer
Police records show Lloyd was moved from a prison to the Lewisham medical unit in September. He was sentenced to 12 months in 2025 for assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident involving three emergency workers in Nottinghamshire.
The Metropolitan Police have asked anyone with information to quote incident reference CAD4739/23Oct when contacting them.
- Last seen: c. 16:10 on 23 October, leaving Lewisham medical facility
- Direction of travel: towards Catford
- Clothing: grey‑blue t-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms, white trainers
- Police contact: 999 (quote CAD4739/23Oct)
What residents and commuters should know
Transport hubs and residential streets between Lewisham and Catford have been searched by local neighbourhood teams; officers have also been liaising with forces in other regions because of Lloyd’s prior connections. Anyone who lives, works or travels in the area is being asked to be vigilant and to check CCTV or dashcam footage if they were in the vicinity on Friday afternoon.
At this stage, the Met’s public guidance is clear: do not attempt to confront the individual if sighted. Instead, make a rapid report to emergency services so trained officers can respond.
Police resources and next steps
Detective Superintendent Pressley has described the enquiries as "significant", indicating the deployment of multiple teams and enquiries into transport links, known associates and CCTV trawls. The Met did not disclose operational details such as the number of officers involved or specific search locations.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Anthony Lloyd, 38 |
| Last known location | Lewisham medical unit |
| Last seen | 23 October, c. 16:10, heading towards Catford |
| Police reference | CAD4739/23Oct |
Local residents and businesses are being asked to check for any relevant footage and to report anything, however minor, which may assist the investigation. The Met emphasised that small details can be crucial to locating someone who has left a secure unit.
This remains a fast‑moving situation. WE NEWS will continue to monitor updates from the Metropolitan Police and publish further information as it is confirmed by officers.
