Police hunt gay man accused of deliberately infecting lovers with HIV

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

Police are searching for a man who is accused of deliberately infecting partners with HIV.

Darryl Rowe, 26, was last known to be in the Brighton area, but is thought to have fled since being bailed by police.

Mr Rowe is accused of sabotaging the condoms of men he had sex with as to pass on the infection.

A major manhunt is now underway to find the 26-year-old, as Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police put out public safety warnings.

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

The man’s desperate mum last night appealed for him to hand himself in, fearing for his wellbeing.

Michelle, from Edinburgh, told the Evening Post: “We just want to know he’s safe. He needs to come back.”

A police 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.

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