D.3.ATH MYSTERY..! — TWO MEN HELD OVER ‘MANSLAUGHTER’ AFTER MISSING SOLDIER, 22, FOUND D.3.AD… FOLLOWING A SHOCKING CAR INCIDENT AND PUB DISTURBANCE
DEATH RIDDLE Two men arrested for ‘manslaughter’ as body of missing soldier, 22, found after ‘car ramming’ & disturbance at pub
TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a body was found in a river during a frantic search for a missing soldier.
Liam Potts, 22, was last seen at 12.20am last Saturday heading into Wylam from Wylam Bridge in Northumberland after a night out with friends.
Liam Potts tragically died after a night out with friends in NorthumberlandCredit: Northumbria Police
Liam’s family described him as the ‘heart and soul of any room’Credit: Only forces facebook
His disappearance sparked extensive searches with specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit making the tragic find in the River Tyne on Tuesday.
Cops are scrambling for answers as they probe whether reports of a “disturbance” at a nearby pub and a car crash led to the soldier entering the water.
A man and woman, both in their 20s, were seriously injured after a car was thought to have struck a group of pedestrians on Wylam Bridge.
The woman was discharged from hospital as the man remains there for further treatment.
The 22-year-old was a soldier who served with the Coldstream GuardsCredit: Facebook
Police and mountain rescue teams searched the banks and the river at Wylam for LiamCredit: NCJ Media
Officers said Liam was on the bridge at the time but he wasn’t in the vehicle, and it’s not believed he was injured in the collision.
The force confirmed the soldier entered the water within minutes of the crash.
Liam was last seen wearing black joggers, black Nike trainers and a black T-shirt with white text and a diamond logo on the back, and a gold chain, as cops released a CCTV image.
Two men, aged 22 and 23, were initially arrested in connection to the reports and have now been rearrested on suspicion of manslaughter as they remain in police custody.
Detective Inspector Rachael Rutherford 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.”
Liam’s family said he will ‘always be remembered’ and ‘never forgotten’Credit: Jam Press
Police are probing whether a disturbance at a pub and a car crash on Wylam Bridge lead to Liam entering the waterCredit: Jam Press/Northumbria Police
She 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.
“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.”
Liam was a soldier who served with the Coldstream Guards, and his unit was believed to be on leave at the time of his disappearance.
He completed his training at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, and also played a role in the funeral procession of Queen Elizabeth in 2022.
Liam’s family paid a heartwarming tribute to him and said: “To our Liam. You may no longer be here beside us, but your presence will never be forgotten.
“Your family, friends and colleagues have all said the same thing, ‘once you met Pottsy, you could never forget him.’ You really were the heart and soul of any room.
“We are going to miss your smile, your laugh, and the little things that made you who you are. Though time may pass, the love we have for you will never fade.
“You will always be remembered, and forever loved. Rest peacefully, knowing that your memory lives on in all those whose lives you touched.”
Anyone with information that could help Northumbria Police with their investigation is urged to get in contact.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Liam was reported missing on Saturday, August 15, following a night out with friends.
“Sadly, his body was found on Tuesday, August 18, in the River Tyne a short distance away from Wylam Bridge.
“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.
“The Force’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) are now leading the investigation and today (Saturday) have re-arrested two men, aged 22 and 23, on suspicion of manslaughter.
“They are currently in police custody.”
