London manhunt intensifies after inmate slips from hospital ward

Detectives are combing the streets of London on Saturday as they hunt for a missing inmate who escaped from a medical center in the city's southeast. The manhunt began in the late afternoon on Friday when Anthony Lloyd forced his way out of the facility in Lewisham. Authorities are treating the situation with urgency, urging residents to stay alert and contact emergency services immediately if they spot the missing man.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Lloyd, who is 38 years old, left the health unit shortly after 4:00 pm on Friday. Witnesses last saw him near the location at approximately 4:10 pm. According to a statement released on Saturday, officers believe he was heading in the direction of Catford at the time of his disappearance. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that he could be anywhere in the capital.

Police have described the fugitive as a white male with a medium build and short dark hair. He stands about 5 feet 8 inches tall. When he was last seen, he was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers. These details are being circulated to help the public identify him quickly.

The officer in charge of the search, Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley, stated that her team is conducting various significant inquiries to locate Lloyd and return him to custody. She emphasized that the department is concerned he poses a risk to both himself and the general public. For this reason, she advised anyone who encounters him not to approach but to call 999 immediately.

Pressley also appealed for assistance from the wider community. She asked anyone with relevant details, no matter how small, to get in touch with police as a matter of urgency. Those with information are encouraged to call 999 and quote the reference CAD4739/23Oct.

Background checks indicate that Lloyd was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm. The original incident took place in Nottinghamshire and involved 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, where he was residing until his recent escape.

Investigators note that Lloyd has connections to several other regions. These include Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Merseyside. These links may influence the search strategy, though the primary focus remains on the London area.

As the search continues, the police force has reiterated its advice to the public. Residents are told not to approach the man themselves to avoid any potential danger. The operation remains active, with officers working to close in on his location.