Men missing for a week found dead in crashed car

Image source, Lancashire Police Image caption, Police said the two men were found in their crashed car in thick undergrowth By Stewart Whittingham North West Published 5 July 2026, 10:49 BST Updated 32 minutes ago Two men reported missing by their families more than a week ago have been found dead in a crashed car in bushes. William Hutchinson, 31, and Stuart Tallis, 27, were discovered in a blue Peugeot 106 at 12:00 BST on Saturday off the A584 Preston New Road in Newton with Clifton. Lancashire Police said Hutchinson was last seen on 24 June in Preston, while Tallis was reported missing three days later in the Lancashire city. The force said the car was found by specialist officers "hidden from view" and "in thick undergrowth" off the westbound carriageway. A police spokesperson said: " Whilst formal identification is yet to take place, we believe we have found William and Stuart. "Their loved ones are aware of the extremely upsetting development and our thoughts are with them at this distressing time. "They are being supported by specially-trained officers." Officers have now appealed for witnesses who saw the Peugeot just before it crashed at 05:30 BST on 24 June. They have also asked for drivers to check any dashcam footage. Sgt Martin Wilcock said: "Two men have lost their lives in what appears to be extremely tragic circumstances, and my thoughts are very much with their loved ones at this sad time." Get in touch Tell us which stories we should cover in Lancashire Contact form Contact form Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook , external , X , external and Instagram , external . You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Related topics Preston Related links Lancashire Police