Urgent Appeal Issued for Missing Man with Contagious Condition
Dean Hesketh, 51, last seen leaving Royal Preston Hospital; public warned not to approach due to health risk.


Callum Smith
Authorities have launched an urgent appeal for Dean Hesketh, 51, who was last seen departing the Royal Preston Hospital on Tuesday, July 28, at 11:16am.
Blackpool Police claim Dean Hesketh may carry a 'contagious health condition.' Authorities released CCTV footage of Mr. Hesketh on Thursday, July 30th, 2020, to aid the search.
The swift location of Mr. Hesketh remains the priority. He stands 5ft 4in tall, with black hair, blue eyes, and a slim build.
Mr. Hesketh was last seen wearing a khaki green and black jacket, black trainers, a Lyle and Scott jumper, and a surgical mask. His connections span several key areas, including Preston, Penwortham, and Blackpool.
This broad radius presents a challenging search for law enforcement. The emphasis on a potential contagious condition distinguishes this case from standard appeals.
Historically, public health alerts, though not directly comparable in scale to a pandemic, often involve similar calls for public vigilance. Strict adherence to official guidance becomes paramount during these incidents.
Authorities now proactively issue warnings even when specific details remain limited. Beyond the immediate search, stakeholders face immense pressure.
Local residents and healthcare providers across Lancashire balance community safety with the urgent need to locate a vulnerable individual. Officers express 'increasingly concerned' for his welfare.
Enquiries to locate Dean are ongoing, and we are growing increasingly concerned for him.
The landscape of public health responses has evolved significantly, aiming to prevent broader societal impacts. Future implications hinge entirely on Dean Hesketh's safe return.
Subsequent clarification of his health status is expected to follow. Police also report Mr. Hesketh may use the names Tim, Dean, or Anthony Gledhill.
This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing search. A Lancashire Police spokesperson stated, 'Enquiries to locate Dean are ongoing, and we are growing increasingly concerned for him.'
We ask that if you see Dean don't approach him, as he may have a contagious health condition. 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 spokesperson added, 'We ask that if you see Dean don't approach him, as he may have a contagious health condition.' They further advised, '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.'