Two men have been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the body of a missing British soldier was pulled from a river in Northumberland on Tuesday.
After a desperate search, a body matching Liam Potts’ discription was discovered in the River Tyne close to Wylam Bridge, after he disappeared following a night out with friends.
The 22-year-old was last seen at around 12.20am on Saturday, with concern raised when he failed to return home the following morning.
Northumbria Police launched an extensive search for Liam, with specialist officers from the force’s Marine Unit involved in the operation.
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On Monday, the police said two men, aged 22 and 23, were arrested and then bailed in connection with the report.
They have since been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, as detectives investigate whether another incident on the bridge directly led to Mr Potts entering the water, police said.
The soldier’s disappearance came after police were called to a serious crash on Wylam Bridge around the same time he was last seen.
A man and a woman, both in their 20s, were seriously injured after a car is believed to have collided with a group of pedestrians.
Police previously confirmed that Liam was on the bridge when the incident occurred, but was not in the vehicle.
Officers initially said they did not believe he had been injured in the crash.
The two men re-arrested today were originally arrested in connection with the crash, and were initially released on bail before being taken back into custody.
Police have urged people to respect Mr Potts’ family as they deal with the devastating news during the ongoing investigation.
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No formal identification of the body has taken place, but Mr Potts’s next-of-kin have been informed.
They said in a statement: “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.”
Liam was serving as a soldier with the Coldstream Guards, and completed his training at Catterick Garrison – having played a role in the funeral procession of Queen Elizabeth in 2022.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Rachael Rutherford, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with Liam’s family during this difficult time.
“The facts remain the same that Liam was on the bridge at the time of the collision, but he was not an occupant of the vehicle and was not struck by the vehicle.
“Inquiries have revealed that Liam, for reasons yet to be established, entered the water within minutes of the collision.
“We have therefore made the further re-arrests as we are looking to establish whether there is any link between the collision and Liam entering the water.”
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