Manhunt after prisoner escapes London medical unit

A manhunt has been launched after a prisoner forced his way out of a medical facility in south-east London.

Anthony Lloyd, 38, was last seen at about 16:10 BST on Friday, heading from a unit in Lewisham towards Catford, the Metropolitan Police said.

Officers believe he poses a risk to himself and the public, and have warned people not to approach him.

He is described as white, about 5ft 8in tall and of medium build, with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey-blue t-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

Lloyd was jailed for 12 months in 2025 for assault occasioning actual bodily harm after an incident in Nottinghamshire involving three emergency workers, said police. He was moved from prison to the Lewisham facility in September.

Det Supt Melanie Pressley, who is leading the search, said officers were carrying out "various significant inquiries" to find him 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," she said.

Police said Lloyd could be anywhere in London, but has links to Surrey, Sussex, the Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Merseyside.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Met as a matter of urgency.

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