A search has been launched for a young soldier who disappeared after a bar fight that led to two people being seriously injured when struck by a vehicle.
Liam Potts, 22, a soldier with the Coldstream Guards who had a ceremonial role in the Queen’s funeral in 2022, vanished in the early hours of Saturday morning following a series of incidents in the village of Wylam, Northumberland.
Locals said a disturbance broke out in a pub close to the River Tyne, minutes before two people were struck by a vehicle on Wylam Bridge.
Liam was not one of those struck by the car, nor was he in the vehicle, but he was seen walking away in the aftermath of the collision.
Police said they are working on the understanding that he entered the water. It remains unknown whether he managed to make it out again.
Northumbria Police received a report later on Saturday afternoon concerning the welfare of Liam, who was last seen at around 12.20am that morning following a out night with friends.
He was last seen heading towards the centre of Wylam village from Wylam Bridge.
Liam Potts, 22, was last seen heading towards Wylam from Wylam Bridge in Northumberland shortly after midnight last Saturday
Police and mountain rescue teams continue to search for Liam after his disappearance
Liam’s family are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare
Just before the last sighting, officers received a report of a disturbance and a subsequent collision on Wylam Bridge, involving the vehicle and a group of pedestrians.
A man and woman – each aged in their 20s – both sustained serious injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.
Two occupants of the vehicle fled the scene on foot before police arrived, before two men aged 22 and 23 were arrested. Both have since been bailed pending further enquiries.
A police spokesman said: ‘Whilst enquiries are at an early stage, 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.
‘He subsequently left the scene and enquiries are ongoing to locate him. Liam’s next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers.’
A large number of police and mountain rescue teams have been in the village of Wylam, with several vehicles including a Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team ambulance at the scene.
At the time he was last seen, Liam was wearing black joggers, black Nike trainers and a black T-shirt with large text and a diamond logo on the back. He was also wearing a gold chain.
Northumbria Police said extensive enquiries are ongoing to find Liam, while officers and his family are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.
Liam was last seen wearing black joggers, black Nike trainers and a black T-shirt with large text and a diamond logo on the back
Emergency services gather as they search for the missing 22-year-old
At the age of 18, Liam was stationed at Wellington Barracks with the Coldstream Guards and was one of just 20 soldiers who attended the proclamation of King Charles lll.
He and his comrades led the traditional ‘hip hooray’ cheer to welcome the new monarch.
He was also chosen to be one of the Coldstream Guards – the British army’s oldest serving regiment – to line The Mall as the Queen’s funeral procession passed by.
At the time his proud mother said: ‘They gave her the send off she deserved.’
Following his ceremonial duties he left with his regiment for jungle training in Kenya.
Anyone with information has been asked to quote reference NP-20260815-0424.
