Lancashire Constabulary has launched an urgent appeal to trace 51-year-old Dean Hesketh, who was last seen leaving Royal Preston Hospital at 11.16am on Tuesday 28 July. Officers say the man may have a contagious health condition and members of the public are asked not to approach him if they spot him.
Details of the appeal
Hesketh, who also uses the names Tim, Dean or Anthony Gledhill, was wearing a surgical mask when he was last seen. He is described as 5ft 4in, with black hair and blue eyes and a slim build. At the time he was reported missing he had on a khaki green and black jacket, a Lyle and Scott jumper and black trainers.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name / Aliases | Dean Hesketh (also Tim, Dean, Anthony Gledhill) |
| Last seen | Royal Preston Hospital, 11.16am, 28 July |
| Physical description | 5ft 4in; black hair; blue eyes; slim build |
| Clothing | Khaki green & black jacket, Lyle and Scott jumper, black trainers, surgical mask |
| Areas linked to | Preston, Penwortham, Blackpool |
What police are asking the public to do
- Do not approach the man if you see him — Lancashire Constabulary has warned he
"may have a contagious health condition"
. - If you believe you have sighted him, call 999 immediately so officers can respond and ensure he is located safely.
- For other information or footage that could assist enquiries, contact 101, quoting log 1051 of 28th July.
Police enquiries are ongoing and officers say they are growing increasingly concerned for Hesketh’s welfare. The appeal stresses public safety and the need for professional assessment by emergency services should he be found.
Local context and practical information
Royal Preston Hospital is a major healthcare facility serving Preston and surrounding parts of Lancashire. In missing-person cases where there is a potential health risk, the force typically asks people not to intervene so that trained responders can manage any necessary medical assessment and containment. The public should follow the force’s guidance to avoid putting themselves or others at risk.
Anyone with immediate information should ring 999. Those with non-urgent information, including CCTV or doorbell footage, should call 101 and reference the incident log above. Providing timestamps or precise locations can help narrow enquiries swiftly.
Lancashire Constabulary continues to coordinate searches and appeals in the Preston area as enquiries progress.
