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A hairdresser accused of deliberately infecting male lovers with HIV is on the run from police.

A desperate hunt for Daryll Rowe was launched after he failed to answer bail in England. His disappearing act sparked public safety fears and questions about why he was repeatedly granted his freedom while facing serious charges.

Last night, his mum Michelle, from Edinburgh, urged Rowe to give himself up, saying: “We just want to know he’s safe. He needs to come back.”

Sussex Police, who raised the alarm, don’t believe he is in their county, where he was originally detained.

Rowe, 26, who was born in Edinburgh and has family in Scotland, was arrested in Brighton in February on suspicion of deliberately infecting men with the virus.

A public health warning was issued by Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council, whose area has a large gay community.

Officials urged anyone who may have had sex with Rowe between October last year and February to seek health advice.

But at the time, the council and the police only identified him as a man in his 20s with a Scottish accent.

His name was later confirmed by officials in Scotland.

Anyone who thought they might have had a sexual encounter with Rowe was urged to call the police, quoting Operation Brickhill.

Despite that appeal, Rowe was released on bail by the Sussex force until April 5 before being re-bailed twice, until May and then until last Friday.

A massive search was launched after he disappeared, with Sussex Police saying they were “pursuing all lines of inquiry”. A spokesman said: “Police officers are looking for a 26-year-old man, who was arrested in Brighton on suspicion of deliberately infecting men with HIV in February this year, after he failed to answer bail on Friday.

“A warrant is not necessary for him to be arrested when found. We are actively working with other police forces to locate him.

“The man has bail conditions not to come to Brighton and we do not believe he is in Sussex.

(Image: Getty)

“Anyone who is concerned by the allegations can seek health advice and speak to us.”

Rowe is listed as being of no fixed address.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing case.”

At the time of Rowe’s arrest, two potential victims had spoken to police.

Another man came forward after the public appeal.

Medical experts say it is critical that people diagnosed with HIV begin treatment immediately.

Patients in developed countries have a normal life expectancy when the virus is properly treated.

A three-year international drugs trial known as the Start study (strategic timing of anti-retroviral treatment) concluded in May last year that patients who begin treatment straight away have a 70 per cent lower risk of contracting Aids-related diseases.

Treatment helps ensure HIV cannot damage the immune system and should mean the likelihood of transmitting the disease is extremely low.

Tom Scanlon, who was director of public health for Brighton and Hove when Rowe was arrested, said at the time: “Early diagnosis and treatments are available and the message of safe sex with the consistent use of condoms remains as strong as ever.”