Bodies of two men missing for a week found in crashed car

The bodies of two men reported missing more than a week ago have been found in a crashed car.

William Hutchinson, 31, and Stuart Tallis, 27, were last seen in Preston in Lancashire on 24 June. Mr Tallis was reported missing three days later.

Their bodies were discovered in a blue Peugeot 106, which was "hidden from view, in thick undergrowth" off the A584 Preston New Road in Newton with Clifton, Lancashire Police said in a statement.

"Whilst formal identification is yet to take place, we believe we have found William and Stuart," a spokesperson said.

Their families have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, they added.

Officers believe the car left the carriageway at roughly 5.30am on 24 June and have issued an appeal for witnesses.

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Sergeant Martin Wilcock, from the force's 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.

"My job now is to establish the full circumstances which led to the collision, and that is why I would ask any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage which could help the investigation to make contact with my officers."

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