Two men who had been reported missing separately were found dead inside a vehicle that had crashed off the A584 in Lancashire, police confirmed. William Hutchinson, 31, and Stuart Tallis, 27, were discovered by specialist search officers shortly after midday on Saturday, July 4, 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.
Discovery and Investigation
Lancashire Police had released CCTV footage of William's blue Peugeot 106 traveling along the A584 over the weekend, leading to the vehicle's discovery. The car had crashed off the carriageway and was hidden from view. Formal identification has not yet taken place, but police believe the deceased are the two missing men. Their families have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.
Background of the Missing Men
William Hutchinson was last seen in the early hours of Wednesday, June 24, at an address on Hull Street in Preston, and was believed to have left the area in his blue Peugeot 106. Stuart Tallis was last seen around 1:30 a.m. on June 24 in the Fishwick View area of Preston, and was reported missing on June 27. Police had not previously indicated that the two men were acquainted, but enquiries led officers to believe they may have been together.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Sergeant Martin Wilcock from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit 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." Police are appealing for any witnesses who saw the blue Peugeot 106 on the A584 Preston New Road in the minutes prior to 5:30 a.m. on June 24, believed to be the time the vehicle left the carriageway. Motorists in the area at that time are urged to check their dashcam footage. Contact officers by emailing SCIU@lancashire.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting log 613 of July 4, 2026.
