Two men who had been missing for more than a week were found dead inside a car following a crash in Lancashire. William Hutchinson, 31, and Stuart Tallis, 27, had been reported missing separately but were discovered together in a vehicle hidden in undergrowth.
Discovery of the Vehicle
Lancashire Police confirmed that the blue Peugeot 106 belonging to Hutchinson was found shortly after 12pm on July 4, 2026, off the westbound carriageway of the A584 Preston New Road, near its junction with the A583 Blackpool Road at Newton with Clifton. Specialist search officers located the car hidden from view in thick undergrowth. Two deceased males were found inside, and while formal identification is pending, police believe they are the missing men.
Timeline of Events
Hutchinson was last seen in the early hours of June 24 at an address on Hull Street in Preston, leaving in his blue Peugeot 106. Tallis was last seen around 1:30am on June 24 in the Fishwick View area of Preston, and was reported missing on June 27. Police had previously released CCTV footage showing the Peugeot being driven along the A584 near Preston but had not indicated the men were together until later in the investigation.
Police 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." Police are appealing for witnesses who saw the blue Peugeot 106 on the A584 Preston New Road before 5:30am on June 24, the believed time of the crash. Motorists are asked to check dashcam footage. Anyone with information can email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk or call 101 quoting log 613 of July 4, 2026.
