A manhunt is under way in London after prisoner Anthony Lloyd absconded from a medical facility in Lewisham, prompting police to warn the public not to approach him. The Metropolitan Police said Lloyd forced his way out of the health unit shortly after 4pm on Friday.
Lloyd, 38, was last seen heading in the direction of Catford, according to a police statement released on Saturday. Officers have urged anyone who spots him to call 999 immediately.
Who is Anthony Lloyd and why is he considered a risk?
Anthony Lloyd was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm following an incident in Nottinghamshire involving three emergency services workers. He received a 12-month custodial sentence and was sent to prison.
In September, he was transferred to the medical facility in Lewisham. Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley, who is leading the manhunt, said Lloyd “poses a risk both to himself and the public.”
Police have not disclosed further details about his medical condition or the nature of the facility, but the warning suggests he may require ongoing care.
What happened during the escape?
According to the Metropolitan Police, Lloyd forced his way out of the health unit shortly after 4pm on Friday. He was seen at about 4.10pm heading towards Catford.
Lloyd is described as white, about 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers when last seen.
Police have not released a photograph of Lloyd, but they are conducting “various significant inquiries” to locate him.
What does the public need to know?
The Metropolitan Police have issued a clear warning: do not approach Lloyd. Instead, anyone who sees him should call 999 immediately.
Det Supt Pressley also appealed for anyone with information, “however small,” to come forward. She said: “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 police have not specified which areas beyond Catford are being searched, but the manhunt is likely to involve local officers and specialist units.
Key takeaways for the public
- Do not approach Anthony Lloyd if you see him; call 999 immediately.
- Lloyd was last seen heading towards Catford at about 4.10pm on Friday.
- He was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.
- Police describe him as a risk to himself and the public.
- Anyone with information should contact the police, even if the detail seems minor.
How does this compare to other recent prisoner absconds?
Prisoner absconds from medical facilities are relatively rare but do occur. The table below compares this incident with two other notable cases in the UK in recent years.
| Case | Year | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Lloyd | 2025 | Lewisham, London | Manhunt ongoing |
| Daniel Khalife | 2023 | Wandsworth, London | Recaptured after 4 days |
| Michael O'Donnell | 2022 | Birmingham | Recaptured after 2 days |
In the Khalife case, the escape prompted a nationwide manhunt and raised questions about security at HMP Wandsworth. The Lloyd case is different because he absconded from a medical facility rather than a prison, which may raise separate concerns about supervision of prisoners receiving treatment.
What happens next?
The Metropolitan Police are continuing their inquiries to locate Lloyd. They have not indicated whether they believe he has left the immediate area or whether he may be receiving assistance. The background to this story is set out in Early Prisoner Release Scheme 2025: Impact on UK Prison Overcrowding. A related thread runs through UK Early Release Prisoner Tagging Numbers Remain Unclear. Earlier coverage in Hywel Lloyd: Public Policy Consultant and Labour Activist Dies at 61 shows how the argument developed.
Det Supt Pressley said: “We are conducting various significant inquiries to find Lloyd and return him to custody.” The public can expect further updates as the manhunt progresses. A closer look at the same subject appears in Celebrity: latest articles. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Anthony LaPaglia on Losing Tony Soprano and Moving On Fast. The same theme surfaces in Met Police Confirm Letter to Duchess of Sussex About Father's Alleged, which takes a different angle.
Anyone with information about Lloyd's whereabouts should call 999, quoting the incident reference if available. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Context on how this played out before sits in British Woman Dies Saving Sons in Bahamas Snorkeling Tragedy. A companion piece, Eagle's Nest Fire: Suspect Arrested in Bavaria Blaze, approaches the same subject from another angle.
FAQ
Who is Anthony Lloyd?
Who is Anthony Lloyd?
Anthony Lloyd is a 38-year-old prisoner who was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm and sentenced to 12 months in custody. He was transferred to a medical facility in Lewisham in September.
What should I do if I see Anthony Lloyd?
Do not approach him. Call 999 immediately and provide the police with any information you have about his location.
Where was Anthony Lloyd last seen?
He was last seen at about 4.10pm on Friday heading in the direction of Catford, south-east London, after forcing his way out of a health unit in Lewisham.
What was Anthony Lloyd wearing when he escaped?
He was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.