Hundreds of floral tributes have been left on Wylam Bridge after a body was found in the search for a missing man from Northumberland. The 22-year-old, named Liam, had been missing since the early hours of Saturday, August 15, prompting an extensive search operation.
Tributes left in honour of Liam
Flowers, cards with heartfelt messages, and military-based tributes have been placed in the area in honour of Liam. These include crosses incorporating poppies and Union Flags, reflecting the military service Liam is believed to have undertaken before his death.
Search operation and discovery
The search involved Northumbria Police, the HM Coastguard, and the North of Tyne and Northumberland Mountain Rescue teams. Police confirmed that a body was found on Tuesday evening in the River Tyne.
Liam's family and friends took part in the search and are being supported by specially trained officers. Formal identification had not yet been carried out at that stage, and officers do not believe there is any third-party involvement. A report is being prepared for the coroner.
Police statement
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."
A series of photographs show the touching tributes left for Liam, as the community comes together to honour a 'much missed and loved' young man.
