Two men who had been missing for over a week have been found dead inside a vehicle following a collision in Lancashire. William Hutchinson, 31, and Stuart Tallis, 27, were reported missing separately from Preston, but police now believe they were together at the time of the incident.
Discovery of the Vehicle
The bodies were discovered on Saturday, July 4, after specialist search officers located a blue Peugeot 106 concealed in thick undergrowth off the westbound carriageway of the A584 Preston New Road, near its junction with the A583 Blackpool Road at Newton with Clifton. The vehicle had been hidden from view since the collision, which police believe occurred around 5:30 am on June 24.
Lancashire Police released a statement confirming the tragic find: “We have an extremely sad update to bring you in our search for two men who had separately been reported missing from their homes in Preston and whom we had asked for your help in locating.”
Background of the Missing Men
William Hutchinson, 31, was last seen in the early hours of Wednesday, June 24, at an address on Hull Street in Preston. He was believed to have left the area in his blue Peugeot 106. Stuart Tallis, 27, was last seen in the Fishwick View area of Preston around 1:30 am on June 24, and was reported missing on June 27.
Police had previously released CCTV images showing the Peugeot 106 traveling along the A584 near Preston. Enquiries led officers to believe the two men may have been together, prompting an active search.
Police Investigation and Appeal
Sergeant Martin Wilcock, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, stated: “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.”
Police are appealing for witnesses who saw the blue Peugeot 106 on the A584 Preston New Road in the minutes prior to 5:30 am on June 24. They are also asking motorists traveling in that area around that time to check their dashcam footage for anything that could assist the investigation.
Formal identification has yet to take place, but police believe the deceased are Hutchinson and Tallis. Their families have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.
How to Help
Anyone with information that could assist Lancashire Police is urged to email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 613 of July 4, 2026.
