Family release tribute to Liam Potts as two suspects re-arrested in connection with his death
Two suspects have been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection to the death of Liam Potts
Last updated 24th Aug 2026
Liam Potts' family have released a tribute to him, as two suspects have been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with his death.
Liam was reported missing on Saturday 15th August after a night out with friends. His body was sadly found on Tuesday 18th August in the River Tyne, a short way from the Wylam Bridge.
Prior to his disappearance, officers received a report of a disturbance at The Boathouse and a subsequent collision on Wylam Bridge involving a vehicle and group of pedestrians.
A man and woman aged in their 20s both sustained serious injuries in the collision which were not life-threatening.
The woman has since left hospital, with the man remaining in hospital for further treatment.
The police say Liam was not an occupant of the vehicle and was not struck by it and was last seen leaving the bridge on foot towards Wylam.
At the time of the discovery of Liam's body officers did not believe there was any third-party involvement.
Yet, following further enquiries, officers are looking to establish whether the circumstances of the disturbance and following collision on Wylam Bridge have directly led to Liam entering the water.
Northumbria Police's Major Investigation Team are now leading the investigation and two men have been re-arrested today (Saturday) on suspicion of manslaughter.
They are aged 22 and 23 and are currently in police custody.
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.
“Enquiries 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.”
Det Insp Rutherford added: “We know there has been a lot of confusion and speculation in the community. It’s clear that Liam was a very popular young man.
“We are committed to finding answers for Liam’s family and we will continue to provide updates on our investigation.
“We would remind people to avoid speculation both online and in our communities as this could impact the ongoing investigation.
“We would continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this tragic time.”
Formal identification is still to take place, but Liam’s loved ones have now shared an image and paid tribute to him.
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."
The force are urging anyone with information to come forward.