Met Police Hunt Anthony Lloyd Across London and Surrounding Counties

A major search operation is underway across London and the surrounding south-eastern counties for Anthony Lloyd, a prisoner who escaped custody on Friday.

Lloyd was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm connected to an incident in Nottinghamshire involving three emergency services workers. He received a 12-month custodial sentence and was transferred to a medical facility in Lewisham in September. Shortly after 4 pm on Friday, the 38-year-old man forced his way out of the unit. He was last seen at approximately 4:10 pm heading toward Catford.

The Metropolitan Police described Lloyd as white, about 5 ft 8 in 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. Officers believe he could be anywhere in the capital but have identified links to Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Merseyside.

Det supt Melanie Pressley, who is leading the inquiry, stated that officers are conducting various investigations to locate and return Lloyd to custody. She warned that he poses a risk to himself and the public. "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," Pressley said.

The police force issued a statement on Saturday urging the public to report sightings by calling 999. They specifically asked anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact them as a matter of urgency. The reference number for the case is CAD4739/23Oct.

The search effort involves multiple police regions due to Lloyd's historical connections to areas outside London. Officers are prioritizing the identification of his current location to secure his return to the medical facility.