People who have been missing for a week are found dead in a car with Clifton in Newton

Two people who were reported missing by their families a week ago were found dead in a car crash in the bush.

William Hutchinson, 31, and Stuart Tallis, 27, were found in a blue Peugeot 106 at 12:00 BST on Saturday on the A584 Preston New Road in Newton with Clifton.

Lancashire Police said Hutchinson was last seen in 2012.

The force said the car was found by specialist officers “hiding from view” on the westbound carriageway.

A police spokesman said: “Although formal identification is yet to take place we believe we have identified William and Stewart.

“Their loved ones know this is a very upsetting development and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

They are being supported by specially trained officers.

Officers are appealing for witnesses who saw the Peugeot before it crashed at 05:30 BST on 24 June.

They also asked drivers to check any dashcam footage.

Sgt Martin Wilcock said: “Two people have lost their lives in what appear to be extremely tragic circumstances, and my thoughts are with their loved ones at this tragic time.