Tribute to Northumberland man whose body was found in Tyne

Liam Potts had not returned home after a night out with friends, sparking a desperate search which entered its fourth day.

The 22-year-old was last seen at about 12.20am on Saturday, August 15, heading into Wylam from Wylam Bridge.

Specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit made the discovery in the river close to Wylam Bridge on August 18.

His family have since paid tribute, they said: “To our Liam. You may no longer be here beside us, but your presence will never be forgotten. Your family, friends and colleagues have all said the same thing, ‘once you met Pottsy, you could never forget him.’

“You really were the heart and soul of any room.

“We are going to miss your smile, your laugh, and the little things that made you who you are. Though time may pass, the love we have for you will never fade. 

“You will always be remembered, and forever loved. Rest peacefully, knowing that your memory lives on in all those whose lives you touched.”

They added: “Now to everyone who reached out with kind messages, calls, visits, flowers and thoughtful gestures; please know how deeply grateful we are.

“Your love and support brings us comfort when we need it most; it really has been extremely overwhelming the amount of support we have been receiving, it’s clear to see how loved Liam was.

“Thank you to everyone who tirelessly supported in the search for Liam including all the members of the public.  As you will have hopefully already seen, a GoFund Me page has been created to donate to all the amazing volunteers of the Mountain Rescue Teams.

“However, beyond this, we would like to extend our appreciation to Northumbria Police, particularly the diving team that were able to successfully bring our boy home.”

Today (August 22), it was announced that two men have been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following Liam’s death.

The two men, aged 22 and 23, remain in police custody.

A disturbance had been reported the same night Liam went missing at The Boathouse, followed by a collision on Wylam Bridge involving a vehicle and pedestrians.

A man and woman, both in their 20s, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the collision.

Northumbria Police have confirmed they are now investigating whether the two incidents are linked.