Lancashire Police locate missing man, contagious condition

Police in Lancashire have launched an urgent public appeal to locate a missing man who may have a contagious health condition, warning the public not to approach him. Dean Hesketh, 51, was last seen leaving the Royal Preston Hospital at approximately 11:16 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Authorities have expressed growing concern for his welfare and are actively searching for him.

Hesketh, who also uses the names Tim, Dean, or Anthony Gledhill, is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall with black hair, blue eyes, and a slim build. He was last seen wearing a khaki green and black jacket, black trainers, and a Lyle and Scott jumper. Surveillance footage released by police shows him also wearing a blue surgical face mask as he walked along a hospital corridor prior to his disappearance. He is known to have links to the areas of Preston, Penwortham, and Blackpool.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police stated that enquiries to locate Hesketh are ongoing and that concern for his safety is increasing. The central warning from authorities is clear: the public should not attempt to approach him due to the potential risk posed by an unspecified contagious health condition. Instead, anyone who...