Bodies found dead in crashed car believed to be missing men

Police searching for two people reported missing by their families more than a week ago found two bodies in a crashed car.

Lancashire Police said William Hutchinson, 31, was last seen in Preston on June 24, while Stuart Tallis, 27, was reported missing from the city three days later.

Police found two bodies in a blue Peugeot 106 on the A584 Preston New Road in Newton-with-Clifton at midday on Saturday.

Police said the car was found by specialist officers “hidden from view” and “in thick bushes” on the westbound carriageway.

Officers appealed for witnesses who saw the car just before it crashed at 05:30 BST on 24 June and also asked drivers to check dashcam footage.

A police spokesman said: “Although formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe we have located William and Stuart.

“Their loved ones are aware of this extremely sad development and our thoughts are with them at this sad time.

“They are supported by specially trained officers.”

Sergeant Martin Wilcock said: “Two men lost their lives in what appear to be extremely tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with their loved ones at this sad time.”

They also asked drivers to check dashcam footage.