38-Year-Old Fugitive Triggers Wide-Net Search Across London
Anthony Lloyd, who was serving a one-year sentence for assault, forced his way out of a southeast London medical unit on Friday afternoon.
By Ayanda Novak ·
A citywide manhunt is underway in London after a 38-year-old prisoner escaped from a medical facility in the Lewisham district. Metropolitan police confirmed that Anthony Lloyd forced his way out of the health unit shortly after 4:00 pm on Friday. Officers describe him as white, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, 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.
Police stated on Saturday that Lloyd was last seen heading toward Catford at approximately 4:10 pm. They believe he could be located anywhere within the capital. The force has instructed the public not to approach the fugitive and to dial 999 immediately if they spot him. Detectives have also noted that Lloyd has connections to several regions outside of London, including Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Merseyside.
Lloyd was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm in connection with an incident in Nottinghamshire involving three emergency services workers. He received a 12-month custodial sentence and was moved to the Lewisham medical facility in September. The Metropolitan Police characterized the situation as a risk to both Lloyd and the general public.
Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley, who is leading the operation, said officers were conducting various inquiries to locate and return Lloyd to custody. She urged anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact police urgently. Pressley emphasized that the primary goal is to find Lloyd safely.
The search operation is ongoing as officers canvass the areas where Lloyd was last seen. The police reference number for the case is CAD4739/23Oct. Members of the public are asked to use this reference when reporting information to assist in the location of the fugitive.
The escape has prompted a coordinated response from local and regional police forces given the suspect's links to multiple counties. Officers are prioritizing the areas of southeast London where Lloyd was last observed. The force continues to monitor public reports and physical sightings to narrow down the search area.
Source: The Guardian
