Two bodies were discovered in a crashed car by police searching for two men who had been reported missing over a week prior. Lancashire Police stated that William Hutchinson, 31, was last seen on June 24 in Preston, and Stuart Tallis, 27, was reported missing three days later in the same city.
Specialist officers located the blue Peugeot 106 at midday on Saturday off the A584 Preston New Road in Newton-with-Clifton. The vehicle was found by officers hidden from view and situated in thick undergrowth off the westbound carriageway. Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the car shortly before it crashed at approximately 5:30 a.m. on June 24. Drivers with dashcam footage from the area have also been asked to check their recordings.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police indicated that while formal identification is pending, they believe the bodies found are those of William Hutchinson and Stuart Tallis. The families of the missing men have been informed of this development and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Sgt Martin Wilcock commented on the incident, stating, "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."