London Police Hunt for Prisoner Who Walked Out of Hospital Ward

A major search effort is currently underway across London to locate a missing prisoner.

The Metropolitan Police have issued a warning that the man poses a danger to himself and others. They have asked the public to stay back and call emergency services if they see him. The escape happened shortly after 4 pm on Friday. The man forced his way out of a health unit in the Lewisham area of south-east London.

Police released a statement on Saturday with the latest details. Officers believe the man was heading toward Catford at the time of his escape. He was last seen at approximately 4.10 pm on Friday. His name is Anthony Lloyd. He is 38 years old. He is described as white with a medium build. He stands about 5 feet 8 inches tall. He has short dark hair. When he left the facility, he was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt. He also had on black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

Lloyd was convicted in 2025 for causing actual bodily harm. The incident took place in Nottinghamshire. It involved three workers from emergency services. He received a 12-month custodial sentence and was sent to prison. In September, he was transferred to the medical facility in Lewisham. This move likely occurred due to health needs or other medical requirements.

Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley is leading the search operation. She stated that officers are conducting various significant inquiries. The goal is to find Lloyd and return him to custody. She expressed concern that he poses a risk. She urged anyone who sees him to call 999 immediately. She specifically advised the public not to approach him on their own.

Pressley also appealed for help from the community. She asked anyone with relevant details to come forward. She noted that even small pieces of information could be helpful. She requested that people contact police as a matter of urgency. The reference number for the case is CAD4739/23Oct. This number should be quoted when calling 999.

Officers believe Lloyd could be anywhere in the capital. They are not limiting the search to the immediate area of the facility. The police force says he has links to several other regions. These include Surrey, Sussex, and Thames Valley. They also listed Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Merseyside as areas of interest. This suggests he may have family or friends in these locations. It also indicates he might try to travel to one of these areas to hide.

The situation remains active as of this week. The man has been at large since Friday afternoon. Police are treating the case with high priority. They are using the description provided by witnesses and staff. The public is advised to stay alert but cautious. If you spot a man matching the description, do not try to stop him. Call 999 and describe your location and what you see. This will help officers respond quickly and safely.