Soldier Liam Potts was reported missing sparking a huge search operation in Wylam, where he was tragically found in the River Tyne
Tributes have been paid to 22-year-old Liam Potts(Image: Northumbria Police)
Two men in their 20s have been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection to the death of Liam Potts, who was reported missing on Saturday, August 15, following a night out with friends. Northumbria Police confirmed that officers had recovered a body from the River Tyne, a short distance away from Wylam Bridge, on Tuesday, August 18.
Many tributes now line the bridge in memory of the 22-year-old and his loved ones have shared a moving tribute to Liam, who they described as the “heart and soul of any room”.
In an update today, Northumbria Police confirmed that the force’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) are now leading the investigation and have re-arrested two men, aged 22 and 23, on suspicion of manslaughter. They are currently in police custody.
The force said that prior to Liam’s disappearance, officers received a report of a disturbance at The Boathouse and a subsequent collision on Wylam Bridge involving a vehicle and a group of pedestrians. A man and woman – each aged in their 20s – both sustained serious injuries in the collision which were not life-threatening. The woman has since been discharged, whilst the man remains in hospital for further treatment.
It remains the case that Liam was not an occupant of the vehicle nor was he struck by it and was last seen leaving the bridge on foot towards Wylam. At the time Liam’s body was found, officers did not believe there to be any third-party involvement in his disappearance.
However, following further enquiries, officers are looking to establish whether the circumstances of the disturbance and subsequent collision on Wylam bridge have directly led to Liam entering the water.
Hundreds of floral tributes left at the scene for 22-year-old Liam on Wylam Bridge(Image: Chronicle Live)
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Rachael Rutherford, of Northumbria Police said: “Our thoughts remain with Liam’s family during this difficult time. The facts remain the same that Liam was on the bridge at the time of the collision, but he was not an occupant of the vehicle and was not struck by the vehicle.
“Enquiries have revealed that Liam, for reasons yet to be established, entered the water within minutes of the collision. We have therefore made the further re-arrests as we are looking to establish whether there is any link between the collision and Liam entering the water.”
Det Insp Rutherford added: “We know there has been a lot of confusion and speculation in the community. It’s clear that Liam was a very popular young man. We are committed to finding answers for Liam’s family and we will continue to provide updates on our investigation.
The Northumbria Police Marine & Dive Specialist Capabilities Unit at the River Tyne in Wylam(Image: Chronicle Live)
“We would remind people to avoid speculation both online and in our communities as this could impact the ongoing investigation. We would continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this tragic time.”
Anyone with information which could help should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on the Force’s website. For those unable to make contact via the above ways, call 101. Please quote reference number: NP-20260814-0016.
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