Two men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of Liam Potts, a 22-year-old soldier from the North East of England. Liam had been reported missing following an incident on Wylam Bridge in the early hours of August 15. His body was recovered from the River Tyne at Wylam last Tuesday, marking a tragic end to the search.

Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) is leading the inquiry. The two men, aged 22 and 23, were initially detained but have since been released on bail as investigations continue. Formal identification of the body is still pending, though close family and friends have already paid tribute to Liam, describing him as “the heart and soul of any room” and expressing that their love for him “will never fade.”

Prior to Liam’s disappearance, police responded to reports of a disturbance at The Boathouse, near Wylam Bridge. The incident reportedly involved a collision between a vehicle and a group of pedestrians on the bridge. Two individuals—a man and a woman, both in their 20s—sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The woman has since been discharged from hospital, while the man remains in treatment.

Officials confirmed that Liam was neither inside the vehicle nor struck by it, and he was last seen walking away from the bridge on foot. At the time of the initial search, investigators did not suspect third-party involvement in his disappearance. However, further enquiries are now focusing on whether the disturbance and collision on Wylam Bridge are connected to Liam entering the river.

Detective Inspector Rachael Rutherford, the Senior Investigating Officer, stated that the inquiry is probing whether Liam’s entry into the water was related to the earlier events on the bridge, although the exact reasons remain unclear. She acknowledged community speculation but urged the public to avoid unverified assumptions that could hinder the investigation.

Liam’s family released a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude for the widespread support they have received. They thanked those who reached out with messages, visits, and flowers, highlighting the strong community affection for Liam. The family also acknowledged the efforts of volunteers involved in the search, including Mountain Rescue Teams, and specifically commended Northumbria Police’s diving team for recovering Liam’s body.

The police have asked anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward, quoting reference number NP-20260814-0016. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding Liam Potts’s death.