A search has been launched for a young soldier who disappeared after a bar fight that led to two people being seriously injured when struck by a vehicle.
Liam Potts, 22, a soldier with the Coldstream Guards who had a ceremonial role in the Queen’s funeral in 2022, vanished at around 12.20am on Saturday morning following a series of incidents in the village of Wylam, Northumberland.
Locals said a disturbance broke out in a pub close to the River Tyne, minutes before two people were struck by a vehicle on Wylam Bridge.
Liam was not one of those struck by the car, nor was he in the vehicle, but he was seen walking away in the aftermath of the collision.
Police said they are working on the understanding that he entered the water, but it remains unknown whether he managed to make it out again.
Northumbria Police received a report later on Saturday afternoon concerning the welfare of Liam. He was last spotted heading towards the centre of Wylam village from Wylam Bridge.
A man and woman – each aged in their 20s – both sustained serious but non life-threatening injuries when struck by the vehicle.
Two men, aged 22 and 23, were arrested in connection to the crash and have since been bailed.
Liam Potts, 22, was last seen heading towards Wylam from Wylam Bridge in Northumberland shortly after midnight last Saturday
Police and mountain rescue teams continue to search for Liam after his disappearance
Liam’s family are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare
A police spokesman said: ‘Whilst enquiries are at an early stage, we can confirm Liam was on the bridge at the time of the collision.However, he was not an occupant of the vehicle and there are no reports suggesting that he was injured in the collision.
‘He subsequently left the scene and enquiries are ongoing to locate him. Liam’s next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers.’
A large number of police and mountain rescue teams have been in the village of Wylam, with several vehicles including a Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team ambulance at the scene.
Liam was last seen wearing black joggers, Nike trainers and a black T-shirt with large text and a diamond logo on the back. He was also wearing a gold chain.
Northumbria Police said extensive enquiries are ongoing to find him, while officers and his family are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.
Liam was stationed at Wellington Barracks with the Coldstream Guards at the age of 18 and was one of just 20 soldiers who attended the proclamation of King Charles lll.
Liam was last seen wearing black joggers, Nike trainers and a black T-shirt with large text and a diamond logo on the back
Emergency services gather as they search for the missing 22-year-old
He and his comrades led the traditional ‘hip hooray’ cheer to welcome the new monarch.
He was also chosen to be one of the Coldstream Guards – the British army’s oldest serving regiment – to line The Mall as the Queen’s funeral procession passed by.
At the time his proud mother said: ‘They gave her the send off she deserved.’
Following his ceremonial duties he left with his regiment for jungle training in Kenya.
Anyone with information has been asked to quote reference NP-20260815-0424.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login