Lewisham Inmate Forces Exit, Prompting Seven-County Search

Anthony Lloyd forced his way out of a medical facility in Lewisham at 4:10 pm on Friday, launching a wide search for a prisoner police say is dangerous to himself and others. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the escape shortly after 4 pm, instructing the public to avoid contact and dial 999 if they locate the 38-year-old man.

Lloyd was last seen heading toward Catford in southeast London. Officers believe he could be anywhere in the capital, but they have expanded the search to six additional areas due to his known links: Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, and Merseyside. This brings the total number of counties involved in the operation to seven.

The fugitive was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm stemming from an incident in Nottinghamshire that involved three emergency services workers. He received a 12-month custodial sentence and was transferred to the Lewisham medical unit in September. Police describe Lloyd as white, 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a medium build and short dark hair. Witnesses reported he was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers at the time of his exit.

Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley, who leads the investigation, stated that officers are conducting multiple inquiries to return Lloyd to custody. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging anyone who spots him to call immediately rather than approach. Pressley also appealed for public assistance, asking residents to report any information, no matter how minor, to help narrow the search area.

The police have assigned the reference CAD4739/23Oct to the case. Members of the public are asked to quote this number when calling 999. The search remains active across the seven designated counties as officers work to locate the man who left the health unit on Friday.