Police hunt for missing man who 'may be contagious'

Police are searching for a man who they say "may have a contagious condition" after he disappeared from a hospital.

Dean Hesketh was last seen leaving Royal Preston Hospital wearing a blue surgical mask, just after 11:00 BST on 28 July.

Lancashire Police said it was "growing increasingly concerned" for the 51-year-old as CCTV footage was released of him leaving the facility.

A police spokesperson said: "We ask that if you see Dean you don't approach him, as he may have a contagious health condition."

They asked people to call 999 if they saw him.

The force said he also used the names Tim, Dean or Anthony Gledhill and had links to Preston, Penwortham and Blackpool.

He is 5ft 4in (163cm), with black hair, blue eyes and a slim build.

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