Urgent manhunt for prisoner who escaped south London medical facility

Anthony Lloyd, 38, forced his way out of Lewisham unit; police warn public not to approach

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published24 October 2026

Read Time1 min

Police have launched an urgent manhunt for a prisoner who escaped from a south London medical facility. Anthony Lloyd, 38, forced his way out of the unit in Lewisham at around 4.10pm on Friday and was seen heading towards Catford. Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley, leading the manhunt, warned the public not to approach him and to call 999 immediately.

Lloyd is described as white, approximately 5ft 8, of medium build with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey/blue t-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers. Pressley said: "We are conducting various significant enquiries 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."

Officers believe Lloyd could be anywhere in London and also has links to Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Merseyside. Anyone with information is asked to call 999 quoting CAD4739/23Oct.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Public safety: the escaped prisoner is considered a risk to himself and the public.
Police resources: a significant manhunt is underway across London and multiple counties.
Broader reach: Lloyd has links to several regions, meaning the search may extend beyond the capital.

Background

Prisoners occasionally escape while receiving medical treatment outside secure facilities, prompting immediate police responses. The Metropolitan Police have not yet provided further details on the circumstances of the escape or Lloyd's original offence. The manhunt continues with the public urged to report any sightings.

What to Watch

Any reported sightings of Lloyd, particularly in the Catford area or linked regions.
Official updates from police on the progress of the search.
Possible alerts to transport networks or public places as the manhunt widens.

Sources

Urgent manhunt underway after prisoner escapes south London medical facility as public warned not to approach him · The Independent UK

Checked

10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 9 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedAn urgent manhunt is underway for a prisoner who escaped from a south London medical facility.The Independent UK: “An urgent manhunt is underway for a prisoner who escaped from a south London medical facility”
SupportedAnthony Lloyd is 38 and forced his way out of the unit in Lewisham.The Independent UK: “Anthony Lloyd, 38, was last seen at around 4.10pm on Friday (23 October) after forcing his way out of the unit in Lewisham”
Partly supportedLloyd forced his way out at around 4.10pm on Friday.The Independent UK: “Anthony Lloyd, 38, was last seen at around 4.10pm on Friday (23 October) after forcing his way out of the unit in Lewisham”
SupportedLloyd was seen heading towards Catford.The Independent UK: “He was seen heading in the direction of Catford.”
SupportedDetective Superintendent Melanie Pressley is leading the manhunt and warned the public not to approach Lloyd and to call 999.The Independent UK: “Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley, who is leading the manhunt, said: “We are conducting various significant enquiries 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.””
SupportedPressley said: “We are conducting various significant enquiries 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.”The Independent UK: “We are conducting various significant enquiries 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.””
SupportedLloyd is white, around 5ft 8, of medium build and has short dark hair.The Independent UK: “Lloyd is white, around 5ft 8, of medium build with short dark hair”
SupportedLloyd was wearing a grey/blue t-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.The Independent UK: “and was wearing a grey/blue t-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.”
SupportedOfficers believe Lloyd could be anywhere in London and has links to Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Merseyside.The Independent UK: “Officers believe Lloyd could be anywhere in London, and he also has links to Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley , Hampshire , Nottinghamshire , Derbyshire and Merseyside .”
SupportedAnyone with information is asked to call 999 quoting CAD4739/23Oct.The Independent UK: “Anyone with information is asked to call 999 quoting CAD4739/23Oct.”