Seven counties added to London search for fugitive Anthony Lloyd

Residents across London and six other counties should expect a visible police presence this weekend. Authorities have expanded their search for Anthony Lloyd to seven regions after the 38-year-old man left a secure medical unit in Lewisham. The Metropolitan Police are treating the situation as a priority, asking the public to stay away from the suspect and contact emergency services if he is located.

Lloyd forced his way out of the health facility shortly after 4:00 pm on Friday. He was last seen at approximately 4:10 pm heading toward Catford in south-east London. Police describe him as white, 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a medium build and short dark hair. Witnesses report he was wearing a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers at the time of his departure.

The man is currently serving a 12-month prison sentence for actual bodily harm. He was convicted in 2025 for an incident in Nottinghamshire that involved three emergency services workers. Lloyd was transferred to the Lewisham medical facility in September, where he remained until his exit on Friday.

Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley is leading the operation. She stated that officers are conducting various inquiries to locate Lloyd and return him to custody. Pressley noted that police are concerned he poses a risk to both himself and the public. She specifically urged anyone who spots him to call 999 immediately rather than attempting to approach him.

While Lloyd is believed to be somewhere in the capital, police have identified links to areas outside London. The search now covers Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Merseyside. These regions were added to the manhunt to account for potential connections the fugitive may have in those locations.

The Metropolitan Police have issued a reference number, CAD4739/23Oct, for anyone with information. Pressley asked members of the public to contact police as a matter of urgency if they have details, no matter how small, that could help locate the inmate.