Urgent hunt for man who ‘may have contagious condition’ after vanishing from hospital

Emily Bashforth | Live News reporter Published July 31, 2026 2:47pm Updated July 31, 2026 2:47pm To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Police have warned the public not to approach a man with a potentially ‘contagious health condition’ who has vanished from hospital. An urgent search has been launched since Dean Hesketh, who also uses the names Tim, Dean, or Anthony Gledhill, disappeared. The 51-year-old was last seen when he left Royal Preston Hospital in Lancashire on Tuesday at 11.16am. Footage shows him wearing a blue surgical face mask as he walks along a hospital corridor. Shortly before going missing, he was seen wearing a khaki green and black jacket, black trainers, and a Lyle and Scott jumper. Sign up for al