Urgent hunt is under way for man who 'may have contagious condition' after he walked out of Royal Preston Hospital

Police have launched an urgent search for Dean Hesketh, 51, who left Royal Preston Hospital on July 28 at 11:16 AM. Authorities are concerned he may have a contagious health condition, although specifics have not been disclosed.¹²³⁴

Hesketh, who also goes by the names Tim, Dean, or Anthony Gledhill, is described as 5ft 4in tall with black hair and blue eyes, and was last seen wearing a khaki green and black jacket, a Lyle and Scott jumper, black trainers, and a blue surgical face mask.⁷⁸⁹¹⁰

Police have emphasized the importance of public safety, urging anyone who sees him not to approach but to contact authorities immediately. A police spokesperson stated, “If you do see Dean, it’s really important that you get in touch with us on 999 as soon as you can so that we can make sure he is safe.”

The search for Hesketh is ongoing, with police expressing growing concern for his welfare. They have requested that anyone with information or footage that could assist in locating him call 101, quoting log 1051 of July 28. Hesketh has links to Preston, Penwortham, and Blackpool, and police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing him.

CCTV footage shows him leaving the hospital, and police have reiterated the need for caution, stating, “Members of the public are being warned not to approach Dean if they spot him, as officers believe he may have a contagious health condition.”