Liam Potts River Tyne search operations were in full force on Sunday as Northumbria Police and mountain rescue teams entered the water near Wylam Bridge in Northumberland, searching for a missing 22-year-old who has not been seen since the early hours of Saturday morning.
Liam Potts, described as a white man, 6ft 3ins tall, of medium build with dark hair and tattoos down his right arm, was last seen heading towards Wylam from Wylam Bridge shortly after midnight on Saturday 15 August. He was reported missing to Northumbria Police on Saturday afternoon, according to Chronicle Live.
What we know about Liam Potts and the River Tyne search
Liam had spent Friday night with friends before he went missing, Chronicle Live reports. Police have been searching the River Tyne because it is currently believed that Liam has entered the water. Officers and family are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare, and extensive enquiries are ongoing.
The search escalated through Sunday morning. Mountain rescue volunteers were spotted alongside police officers in Wylam from around 11:30am. A police boat was taken down to the River Tyne, and mountain rescue crews entered the water near Wylam Bridge. A large emergency presence, including police vehicles and an ambulance, was established in the village.
CCTV footage released by police shows the clothing Liam was last seen wearing: black joggers, black Nike trainers, a black t-shirt with white text and a diamond logo on the back, and a gold chain. That image was captured shortly after midnight in the early hours of Saturday 15 August.
Wylam Bridge incident and ongoing appeal
The search follows a separate incident on Wylam Bridge. A pedestrian was hit by a car on the bridge shortly after midnight and was taken to hospital by ambulance. The extent of their injuries is currently unknown. The two incidents happened in the same location and around the same time, though police have not publicly stated a connection between them.
The full name of the missing man, confirmed by the BBC as Liam Potts, had not been released in initial police appeals. Northumbria Police have now issued a CCTV image to support the search effort and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Liam, or anyone who knows his whereabouts, should contact Northumbria Police directly via social media message or through the live chat and report forms on the force’s website. Those unable to use those channels can call 101. Quote reference number NP-20260815-0424.