A body has been discovered in the search for missing Northumberland man Liam Potts, who served with the Coldstream Guards. The 22-year-old was reported missing on Saturday, August 15, after he failed to return home following an evening out with friends. He was last seen at approximately 12.20am that day, heading into Wylam from Wylam Bridge.
Discovery by Marine Unit
Specialist officers from Northumbria Police's Marine Unit made the discovery in the River Tyne near Wylam Bridge on Tuesday. Comprehensive searches were then carried out by Northumbria Police and various partners, including HM Coastguard, North of Tyne Mountain and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue teams. Liam's family and friends also participated in the search.
Formal identification pending
Formal identification has yet to take place, but Liam's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers. Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Robson of Northumbria Police said: "This is an extremely sad development, and our thoughts are very much with Liam's family and friends."
She added: "I would like to thank all of our officers, partners and volunteers for their assistance throughout the searches, along with everyone who shared our appeals and contacted us with information. We would continue to ask that people respect the family's privacy at this tragic time."
Related arrest and next steps
Officers had previously arrested two men aged 22 and 23 in connection with a collision at the time Liam was believed to have been on the bridge. According to the BBC, Liam was not in the vehicle or understood to have been injured by the collision. A report will be compiled for the coroner.
