The pub where tragic serviceman Lance Corporal Liam Potts was a regular has honoured his memory by making sure there will always be a corner of the bar dedicated to him.
Liam, 22, was reported missing on August 15, following a night out with friends. His body was found in the River Tyne, close to Wylam Bridge, in Northumberland, three days later.
Liam's death is being investigated by detectives from Northumbria Police's major investigation team and two people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
A special tribute at the West Tavern
Popular Liam was a regular at the West Tavern pub, in Prudhoe. Staff at the bar have helped his family create a special spot where loved ones can remember him.
Liam's dad, Paul Potts, asked the pub if they would display a Newcastle United shirt, signed by Liam's family and friends, at the Tavern. The framed shirt has now been hung in the pub's foyer, alongside a black-and-white Chesterfield chair, creating a quiet space where people can sit, reflect and remember Liam. A Book of Condolence has also been made available to customers.
The West Tavern's manager, Rachel Appleby, explained how Liam's death had left his community devastated, but that friends had found comfort coming to the pub to talk about him.
Manager speaks of heartbreak
She said: "It's just been awful, it's been heart-breaking. There was a big group of Liam's friends in last week. They all sat in the corner together with a picture of Liam and they put a pint of Guinness next to his picture. You see them comforting each other."
Rachel said the pub's foyer is now a peaceful spot dedicated to Liam. "Whenever I walk in I still catch my breath," she said. "I just can't believe it. It's just heartbreaking, it really is. I have no idea how you move on from something like that. It's awful."
Family's thanks and investigation continues
Liam was a proud member of the Coldstream Guards. His dad Paul earlier released a statement through the Ministry of Defence. He said: "There are lots of wonderful things being said about our son, which has genuinely touched our hearts. Myself, Mandy, James and Erin would like to thank everyone so much for their kindness and help over this last week. A very special thank you to Liam's other family, the British Army, and particularly his fellow Coldstreamers. Their support during this very emotional time is 'Nulli Secundus'."
Nulli Secundus is the regimental motto of the Coldstream Guards, meaning "second to none". Paul also thanked those who had helped the search for Liam. He said: "Without question, our brilliant rescue volunteers and professionals have, with dignity and a world class standard, done the whole North East proud."
Before Liam's disappearance, police received a report of a disturbance at The Boathouse pub in Wylam followed by a collision on Wylam Bridge involving a vehicle and a group of pedestrians. A man and woman, both aged in their 20s, were injured. Police said Liam was not in the vehicle and was not struck by it. He was last seen leaving the bridge on foot towards Wylam.
Officers said they were working to establish whether the circumstances of the disturbance and collision have directly led to Liam entering the water. Two men, aged 22 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and released on bail.
