Body found in River Tyne in search for missing soldier Liam Potts

A body has tragically been discovered in the search for missing Northumberland man Liam Potts, who served with the Coldstream Guards. Alarm was raised on Saturday, August 15, after the 22 year old failed to return home following an evening out with friends.

He was last spotted at approximately 12.20am that day, making his way into Wylam from Wylam Bridge.

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Specialist officers from Northumbria Police's Marine Unit made the tragic discovery in the River Tyne near Wylam Bridge today, Tuesday.

Comprehensive searches were then undertaken 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 has yet to occur but Liam's next of kin have been informed and are presently 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.

"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."

Officers reported having arrested two men aged 22 and 23 in connection with a collision at the time Liam was believed to have been on the bridge, but 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.