Met Police Launch London Search for Anthony Lloyd After Lewisham Escape
The 38-year-old man, convicted of actual bodily harm, fled a medical facility in south-east London on Friday afternoon.
By Natalia Costa ·
Anthony Lloyd is the focus of a police search across London after he exited a medical facility in Lewisham on Friday. The Metropolitan Police are treating the case as a priority search to locate the 38-year-old man and return him to custody. Lloyd was released from the health unit shortly after 4 pm on Friday, October 23.
The escape marks a sudden break in a legal timeline that began in 2025. Lloyd was convicted that year of actual bodily harm related to an incident in Nottinghamshire involving three emergency services workers. The court handed down a 12-month custodial sentence. He served part of that sentence in a standard prison before authorities moved him to the Lewisham medical facility in September 2026.
Police officials describe the current situation as urgent. Det Supt Melanie Pressley, who is directing the investigation, stated that the force is conducting various inquiries to find Lloyd. She emphasized the need for speed in the operation. The police believe he could be located anywhere within the capital. They have also identified specific links to areas outside London, including Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Merseyside.
The search strategy relies heavily on public assistance. In a statement issued on Saturday, October 24, the Metropolitan Police provided a specific description of Lloyd. He is white, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, and has a medium build. His hair is short and dark. On the day of the escape, he was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers. He was last seen heading in the direction of Catford at about 4:10 pm on Friday.
Authorities have issued direct instructions to members of the public. Police advised that anyone who spots Lloyd should call 999 immediately. They warned the public not to approach him. The force explained that Lloyd poses a risk to both himself and the public. This assessment drives the operational protocols currently in place for the search teams.
Det Supt Pressley appealed for information from witnesses. She asked for details of any size to be reported to police as a matter of urgency. The reference number CAD4739/23Oct should be quoted when calling the emergency line. The police are coordinating efforts to narrow down the potential locations based on these reports and their own internal inquiries.
The search area spans multiple jurisdictions due to Lloyd's previous connections. While the primary focus remains on London, the inclusion of surrounding counties reflects his history. The force is working to determine if he has traveled to any of these specific regions. The description provided by police is intended to help residents and travelers identify him quickly in crowded urban areas.
