Two men from Preston who had been missing for over a week have been found dead in a crashed vehicle concealed in thick undergrowth beside the A584 in Lancashire. William Hutchinson, 31, and Stuart Tallis, 27, both from Preston, disappeared separately in the early hours of 24 June and were independently reported missing, Lancashire Police confirmed.
Discovery of the Vehicle
At noon on Saturday, specialist search officers discovered two bodies inside a blue Peugeot 106 off the A584 Preston New Road in Newton-with-Clifton. The force stated that William's car was found in "thick undergrowth" and "hidden from view". Police believe the vehicle left the westbound carriageway shortly before 5.30am on 24 June.
"Sadly, two deceased males were found inside the vehicle. Whilst formal identification is yet to take place, we believe we have found William and Stuart," police said. Their families have been notified and are receiving support from specially trained officers.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Officers are now calling for witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone who spotted the blue Peugeot 106 on the A584 Preston New Road shortly before 5.30am on 24 June. They are also requesting any CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist with the investigation.
Sgt Martin Wilcock, from the force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), 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. I know a number of my colleagues were involved in the searches for William and Stuart and I know they were hoping for a happier conclusion."
"My job now is to establish the full circumstances which led to the collision, and that is why I would ask any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage which could help the investigation to make contact with my officers."
Those with information are urged to contact police by calling 101 or emailing SCIU@lancashire.police.uk, quoting log 613 of July 4.
