The family of Liam Potts have paid an emotional tribute to him following his death, describing him as the “heart and soul” of any room and saying he will be “forever loved”.
Northumbria Police shared a photograph of Liam alongside a tribute from his devastated family as enquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In their tribute, Liam’s family said:
“To our Liam. You may no longer be here beside us, but your presence will never be forgotten.”
They said family, friends and colleagues had all described him in the same way — “once you met Pottsy, you could never forget him.”
The family added:
“You really were the heart and soul of any room.”
They said they would miss Liam’s smile, his laugh and all the “little things that made you who you are”, adding that he would be “forever loved”.
The family also thanked everyone who had supported them, including those who sent messages, visited, delivered flowers or made other gestures following Liam’s disappearance and death.
“It’s clear to see how loved Liam was,” they said.
They also expressed their gratitude to members of the public who helped during the search for Liam and thanked Northumbria Police for its efforts.
The family gave particular thanks to the force’s diving team, who they said were able to “successfully bring our boy home”.
Liam reported missing after night out
Liam was reported missing on Saturday, 15 August, following a night out with friends.
Sadly, his body was discovered the following Tuesday in the River Tyne, a short distance from Wylam Bridge.
Prior to Liam’s disappearance, Northumbria Police received a report of a disturbance at The Boathouse and a subsequent collision on Wylam Bridge involving a vehicle and a group of pedestrians.
A man and a woman, both aged in their 20s, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the collision.
Police have stressed that Liam was not an occupant of the vehicle and was not struck by it.
He was last seen leaving the bridge on foot in the direction of Wylam.
Two men released on police bail
Northumbria Police said two men, aged 22 and 33, who were re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter have now been released on police bail.
Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding Liam’s death remain ongoing.
Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Information can be provided to Northumbria Police through the force’s social media channels, live chat service or online reporting forms.
Anyone unable to contact police through those channels can call 101, quoting reference NP-20260814-0016.
