Body found in search for missing soldier, 22, as police arrest two men where he was last seen

Body found in search for missing soldier, 22, as police arrest two men where he was last seen A body has been found in the search for Liam Potts, 22, who was last seen heading towards Wylam in Northumberland from Wylam Bridge on Saturday August 15 at around 12.20am Police have found a body in their search for a soldier who went missing after spending the night with friends. Liam Potts, 22, who served with the Coldstream Guards, was last seen heading towards Wylam in Northumberland from Wylam Bridge at about 12.20am on Saturday August 15. Extensive searches have been carried out since and Police confirmed a body was found in the River Tyne close to Wylam Bridge yesterday. Police do not believe there to be any third-party involvement and confirmed formal identification is yet to take place but Liam's next of kin have been informed. A police update last night read: "A body has sadly been found in the search for missing Northumberland man Liam. Concerns were raised on Saturday after the 22-year-old had not returned home following a night out with friends. "He was last seen at about 12.20am that day, heading into Wylam from Wylam Bridge. Extensive searches have been carried out since and we made the sad find today in the River Tyne close to Wylam Bridge. "Formal identification is yet to take place but Liam’s next of kin have been notified and are currently being supported by specially-trained officers. We do not believe there to be any third-party involvement and a report will be prepared for the coroner." The spokesperson added: "This is an extremely sad development, and our thoughts are very much with Liam’s family and friends. We would like to thank all of our partners and volunteers for their assistance throughout the searches, along with everyone who shared our appeals and contacted us with information. "We would continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this tragic time. Comments will remain open on this post for 24 hours for people wanting to share condolence messages with Liam's loved ones. They will then be switched off to keep our channels free for people looking to report a crime or incident." A further update from police posted in the comments section said "Two men aged 22 and 23 were arrested in connection with a report of a collision on Wylam Bridge prior to Liam's last known sighting. "They both remain on police bail pending further enquiries. "We can confirm Liam was on the bridge at the time of the collision. However, he was not an occupant of the vehicle and there are no reports suggesting that he was injured in the collision." One Facebook user commented: "This is so incredibly sad, such a young life so full of promise, it is a desperately difficult time for his family, friends and everyone who knew Liam. Respect and thoughts to all of them and the specialist units from Northumbria Police and their colleagues, this type of situation has a profound impact upon all of them." Another wrote: "How desperately sad. I think the whole of the Prudhoe area has been on tenterhooks and praying for positive news. Such devastating news. Thoughts and prayers to all of Liam’s family and his friends and colleagues. RIP Liam."