Body found in river during desperate search for missing soldier as two arrested

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A body matching Liam's description was discovered in the River Tyne close to Wylam Bridge earlier today

A body has been found during the search for missing soldier Liam Potts, who disappeared after a night out with friends in Northumberland.

The 22-year-old was last seen at around 12.20am on Saturday as he walked towards Wylam from Wylam Bridge.

Concern was 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.

Liam was described by police as a white man, around 6ft 3ins tall and of medium build, with dark hair and tattoos down his right arm.

A body matching this description was discovered in the River Tyne close to Wylam Bridge earlier today.

Formal identification is yet to take place but Liam's next of kin have been notified and are currently being supported by officers, the force said.

Liam’s family and friends had also joined efforts to find him, while police appealed to the public for information and released CCTV images depicting him before his disappearance.

At the time he was last seen, Liam was wearing black joggers, black Nike trainers and a black T-shirt featuring white text and a diamond logo on the back, also wearing a gold chain.

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.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Robson, of Northumbria Police, said the discovery of a body was “an extremely sad development”, and offered her condolences to Liam’s family and friends.

She also thanked police officers, partner agencies and volunteers who had assisted with the searches, as well as members of the public who had shared appeals and provided information.

“We would continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this tragic time,” she said.

Liam’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.

Two men, aged 22 and 23, were later arrested in connection with the crash, and have since been released on bail while inquiries continue.

Police have urged people to respect Liam’s family as they deal with the devastating news.

The circumstances surrounding his death are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation.