Two men have been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of 22 year old soldier Liam Potts, whose body was recovered from a river in Northumberland.
Potts, known affectionately as Pottsy to his family, served with the Coldstream Guards. Northumbria Police recovered his body near Wylam Bridge on 18 August, three days after he disappeared in the early hours of 15 August.
Police Investigating Events Before His Disappearance
Police said they received reports of a disturbance at The Boathouse pub shortly before Potts disappeared. A collision involving a car and a group of pedestrians was subsequently reported at Wylam Bridge.
Investigators are examining whether the incidents were connected to Potts entering the water.
According to police, Potts was on the bridge when the collision occurred but was not inside the car and was not struck by the vehicle. Officers said he entered the water within minutes of the incident.
Two men, aged 22 and 23, have now been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remain in custody while the investigation continues.
The arrests do not establish guilt, and the circumstances surrounding Potts death remain under investigation.
Two People Seriously Injured in Collision
The collision itself left a man and woman, both in their 20s, with serious injuries.
Police said their injuries were not considered life threatening. The woman has since been discharged from hospital, while the man remains in hospital receiving further treatment.
Investigators are continuing to establish exactly what happened in the period surrounding the collision and Potts disappearance.
Family Pays Tribute to ‘Pottsy’
Potts family described him as the heart and soul of any room and said his death had left an enormous gap in their lives.
In a statement, they said they would miss his smile, laugh and the small things that made him who he was.
The family also expressed gratitude for the support they had received from people who had contacted them and paid tribute to Liam.
They thanked the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team, Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team, Northumbria Police and the police diving team involved in the search and recovery operation.
The family said the overwhelming support they had received demonstrated how deeply Liam was loved.
Investigation Continues
Northumbria Police continue to investigate the events leading up to Potts entering the water and his subsequent death.
The re-arrest of the two men represents a further development in the investigation, but police have not indicated that the case has reached a final conclusion.
As enquiries continue, detectives are expected to examine witness accounts, the reported disturbance, the bridge collision and the events immediately preceding Potts entering the river.
For Liam family, however, the investigation comes against the backdrop of a deeply personal loss. Their tribute portrayed a young soldier remembered not simply for his military service, but for his personality, relationships and the impact he had on those around him.