Lancashire Police have launched a search for 51-year-old Dean Hesketh after he walked out of Royal Preston Hospital.
He left the medical facility at 11:16 a. m.
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on July 28, 2026.
Authorities have warned the public not to approach him because he may have an undisclosed contagious health condition.
Appearance and Last Seen
Hesketh, who also uses the aliases Tim, Dean, and Anthony Gledhill, is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall with a slim build, black hair, and blue eyes.
CCTV footage captured him leaving the hospital wearing a khaki green and black jacket, a Lyle and Scott sweater, black sneakers, and a blue surgical face mask.
Investigators stated that Hesketh maintains strong ties to Preston, Penwortham, and Blackpool.
Officers are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare as search efforts continue across the region.
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"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," said a spokesperson for Lancashire Police.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that members of the public should avoid approaching him directly due to the potential medical risk.
"Dean is 5ft 4in with black hair and blue eyes and is of a slim build.
He was last seen wearing the clothing you can see him in in this footage – a khaki green and black jacket, black trainers and a Lyle and Scott jumper.
He was also wearing a blue surgical face mask," the spokesperson added.
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Police are urging anyone with information or relevant video footage regarding his whereabouts to contact 101, referencing log 1051 of July 28.
