38-Year-Old Detainee At Large After Escaping London Medical Unit

A 38 year old man is currently on the loose in London after escaping from a medical facility in the city's south-east.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Anthony Lloyd forced his way out of a health unit in Lewisham shortly after 4 pm on Friday. The last confirmed sighting of the detainee occurred at approximately 4.10 pm, with witnesses reporting he was heading toward the Catford area. Authorities have issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid making contact with him and to dial the emergency number 999 immediately if he is spotted.

Lloyd was convicted in 2025 for causing actual bodily harm in an incident that took place in Nottinghamshire. The offense involved three workers from emergency services, leading to a 12 month custodial sentence. He was subsequently transferred to the Lewisham medical facility in September of this year. Police describe him as a white male with a medium build and short dark hair, standing approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall. At the time of his escape, he was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers.

Det. Supt. Melanie Pressley, who is leading the investigation, stated that officers are conducting various significant inquiries to locate Lloyd and return him to custody. She emphasized that the force is concerned he poses a risk to both himself and the general public. Pressley appealed for members of the public to remain vigilant and to contact police without delay if they have any information, no matter how small, that could aid in locating the detainee.

While the primary focus of the search is currently within the capital, officers believe Lloyd could be anywhere in London. The force has also noted that he maintains links to several other regions, including Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Merseyside. These connections suggest the search may expand beyond the immediate metropolitan area if he is not found quickly.

The police have established a specific reference number for this incident, CAD4739/23Oct, which anyone providing information should quote. The search continues as detectives work to gather details from the public and review potential locations where the man might be hiding.