Preston Police have issued an urgent appeal to locate a missing man who may have a contagious health condition. The individual, known as Dean Hesketh, was last seen leaving Royal Preston Hospital at approximately 11:16am on 28 July. Authorities have released CCTV footage of the incident, showing Mr Hesketh using multiple names, Tim, Dean, or Anthony Gledhill, and wearing specific clothing, including a khaki green and black jacket, black trainers, a Lyle and Scott jumper, and a blue surgical face mask. He is described as 5ft 4in tall with black hair and blue eyes, and of a slim build. Police have emphasized that individuals should avoid approaching him due to concerns over his potential health status and have urged the public to contact them immediately if they spot him. The appeal comes amid growing concern for Mr Hesketh’s safety, with police stating that efforts to locate him are ongoing. The man has connections to Preston, Penwortham, and Blackpool, and his absence has raised alarms among law enforcement. A notice posted on Blackpool Police’s Facebook page warned against approaching him, citing the risk of contagion. The message encouraged witnesses to report sightings via emergency lines or by contacting police through the designated log number. This case highlights the challenges faced by authorities in tracking down individuals under such sensitive conditions, particularly when health risks are involved. Meanwhile, in Devon, authorities have confirmed the identification of human remains found in the River Taw as those of missing teenager Taylor Charlton. The 14-year-old was last seen on 8 May at around 10:30pm in a car park on Station Road in Barnstaple. His disappearance triggered a large-scale search operation that lasted several weeks. On 24 June, remains were recovered from the river, and subsequent forensic analysis led to the formal confirmation of his identity. The discovery followed earlier reports of shoes believed to belong to Taylor found along the riverbank. A public appeal coinciding with what would have been his 15th birthday drew widespread attention and emotional responses from the community. Devon and Cornwall Police have stated that the identification of Taylor’s remains marks a somber milestone in the ongoing investigation. Two individuals, a woman in her 40s and a 20-year-old man, have been arrested on suspicion of murder, though both remain on police bail. The force has expressed deep sorrow over the outcome, acknowledging the profound impact on the local community and Taylor’s family. They have reiterated the need for the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult period. The investigation into the circumstances of Taylor’s death continues, with detectives working to uncover the full story behind his tragic fate. Other recent developments include a police inquiry into a group of six diners who allegedly fled a seafood restaurant in Bigbury, Devon, without paying a bill of nearly £600. The group, comprising three men and three women, ordered four lobsters and a seafood platter before departing in a black Range Rover. The restaurant, owned by Kieron Vanstone, reported repeated failed attempts to contact the diners despite providing their booking details. A fellow diner noted the vehicle’s registration plate, which was subsequently shared with authorities. Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident and have requested public assistance in locating the individuals. These separate incidents underscore the diverse range of cases currently under police scrutiny. While the search for Dean Hesketh remains active, the confirmation of Taylor Charlton’s identity brings closure to a long and emotionally draining investigation. Meanwhile, the restaurant dispute highlights the broader issue of unpaid bills and the role of law enforcement in addressing such matters. Each case reflects the complex and often challenging nature of policing work, requiring careful coordination, public engagement, and adherence to legal protocols. As these investigations progress, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the public and the proper handling of each situation with professionalism and care.
5 reports
Missing man who ‘may have contagious condition’ last seen leaving hospitalPreston Police are searching for a missing man named Dean Hesketh, who may have a contagious health condition. CCTV footage released by authorities shows him leaving Royal Preston Hospital on July 28th at 11:16 am. Hesketh, also known by the names Tim, Dean, or Anthony Gledhill, is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall with black hair, blue eyes, and a slim build. He was last seen wearing specific clothing items including a khaki green and black jacket, black trainers, a Lyle and Scott jumper, and a blue face mask. Police have launched an appeal for the public's assistance in locating him, emphasizing the potential risk his condition poses and urging anyone with information to contact them immediately.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward update on a missing person case without overtly biased language or emphasis on political perspectives. It focuses on the factual details of the search and the potential public health concern, maintaining a neutral tone throughout.
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the dine-and-dash incident at The Oyster Shack, mentioning the group of six, the £600 bill, the Range Rover, and the restaurant's efforts to contact the diners. It aligns closely with the primary source document.
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, presenting the facts without overt bias or emotional language. However, it includes a quote from the restaurant expressing upset over the incident, which slightly introduces subjective sentiment.
Body found in river confirmed as missing teenager Taylor CharltonAuthorities have confirmed that the body found in the River Taw in Devon belongs to missing teenager Taylor Charlton. The 15-year-old was last seen on May 8, leading to a large-scale search effort. His remains were discovered on June 24, and police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of his death. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case and remain in police custody. The police urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and respect the privacy of the family during this sensitive time.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual update on a missing person case without overtly expressing a political stance. It focuses on the confirmation of identity, the ongoing investigation, and calls for public cooperation, which aligns with a balanced reporting approach. There is no evident ideological slan
Why factuality (75): The article discusses a different event — the confirmation of a body found in a river belonging to a missing teenager — and does not mention the dine-and-dash incident at The Oyster Shack. It contains some factual details about the case but is unrelated to the primary source document.
Why objectivity (60): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'heartfelt Facebook post' and 'extremely saddened' which introduces a biased and empathetic tone rather than maintaining strict neutrality.
Daily MirrorIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 654 days agoSix individuals reportedly left The Oyster Shack restaurant in Bigbury, Devon, without paying a £600 seafood bill, prompting a police investigation. The group, consisting of three men and three women, ordered four lobsters and a seafood platter before departing in a black Range Rover. The restaurant attempted to contact the group using the phone number provided during booking but received no response. The owner, Kieron Vanstone, expressed frustration over the incident, emphasizing the emotional impact on staff. A customer noted the vehicle's registration plate, which was shared with authorities. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they are investigating and have requested public assistance.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a restaurant theft without overtly criticizing or praising any political entity, party, or ideology. It focuses on the incident itself, the actions taken by the restaurant and police, and does not frame the event through a politically charged lens. The tone,
Why factuality (70): The article discusses a completely different event — the confirmation of a body found in a river belonging to a missing teenager — and does not mention the dine-and-dash incident at The Oyster Shack. It contains no factual inaccuracies within its own subject matter but is unrelated to the primary so
Why objectivity (65): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'not the outcome that anyone hoped for' and 'deeply this will affect the local community,' which introduces a biased and empathetic tone rather than remaining strictly objective.
Daily MirrorIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 602 days ago Urgent warning as man who 'could be contagious' vanishes from Preston hospitalA 51-year-old man named Dean Hesketh, who also goes by the names Tim, Dean, or Anthony Gledhill, has gone missing after leaving the Royal Preston Hospital. Authorities have issued an urgent appeal for his location, citing concerns over his potential contagious health condition. The police urge members of the public not to approach him and instead contact them immediately if spotted. Hesketh is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall with black hair and blue eyes, wearing specific clothing including a blue surgical face mask. His connections to Preston, Penwortham, and Blackpool are noted, and police have shared visual details of his last known appearance.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a missing person case without overtly taking a political stance. While the mention of a 'contagious health condition' introduces some public health concern, the framing remains neutral, focusing on safety and public guidance rather than ideological or policy-
Why factuality (70): The article covers a different event entirely — a missing man possibly with a contagious condition — and does not mention the dine-and-dash incident at The Oyster Shack. It contains no factual inaccuracies within its own subject matter but is irrelevant to the primary source document.
Why objectivity (60): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'urgent warning', 'contagious', and 'increasing concern' which suggests urgency and potential danger. This framing could influence readers' perceptions unnecessarily.
Human remains found in a river confirmed to be missing teenage schoolboyHuman remains found in the River Taw in Devon have been officially confirmed as belonging to 14-year-old missing schoolboy Taylor Charlton, who disappeared on May 8, 2026. His body was recovered six weeks later after a major search effort involving the local community and law enforcement. Taylor was last seen in a car park in Barnstaple, and his disappearance triggered a significant police operation. Two individuals, a 40-something woman and a 20-year-old man, have been arrested on suspicion of murder, though they remain on bail. The police expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized the community’s support during the search. Taylor’s parents and loved ones have been informed, and the case remains under investigation.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a tragic incident involving a missing teenager and subsequent police investigation, focusing on factual updates and official statements. There is no overt ideological framing or emphasis on political perspectives. The tone is empathetic and objective, presenting information in
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