Manhunt under way to find prisoner who absconded from medical facility

Met police say Anthony Lloyd, 38, was last seen on Friday in south London, and ‘poses a risk to himself and the public’

A manhunt is under way to locate a prisoner who police say “poses a risk both to himself and the public” after he absconded from a medical facility in London.

Anthony Lloyd forced his way out of a health unit in Lewisham, in south-east London, shortly after 4pm on Friday, the Metropolitan police said.

The force warned the public not to approach Lloyd, but instead to contact 999 if he is spotted.

Lloyd was seen heading in the direction of Catford, police said in a statement on Saturday.

Lloyd was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm, according to the Press Association, relating to 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.

The 38-year-old is white and about 5ft 8in, of medium build with short dark hair.

He was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers when last seen at about 4.10pm on Friday, police said.

Det supt Melanie Pressley, who is leading the manhunt, said: “We are conducting various significant inquiries to find Lloyd and return him to custody.

“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.

“If you have any information – however small – that could help us locate Lloyd, please get in touch with police as a matter of urgency.”

Officers believe Lloyd could be anywhere in the capital. He also has links to Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Merseyside.

Anyone with information is asked to call 999, quoting the reference CAD4739/23Oct.