A Prudhoe pub has turned its foyer into a memorial for Liam Potts's memory, with a signed Newcastle United shirt, a black-and-white Chesterfield chair and a book of condolence on display. Potts was 22. His body was found in the River Tyne, close to Wylam Bridge, three days after he was reported missing on August 15.
The West Tavern's tribute
At The West Tavern in Prudhoe, manager Rachel Appleby said the mood around the display has been deeply emotional. "It's just been awful, it's been heart-breaking," she said. "There was a big group of Liam's friends in last week. They all sat in the corner together with a picture of Liam and they put a pint of Guinness next to his picture. You see them comforting each other."
Appleby added: "Whenever I walk in I still catch my breath," and then, on the wider impact of the loss, "I just can't believe it. It's just heartbreaking, it really is. I have no idea how you move on from something like that. It's awful."
Family and friends gathering around the tribute
Liam's father, Paul Potts, thanked those who had offered support after the tragedy. "There are lots of wonderful things being said about our son, which has genuinely touched our hearts," he said. "Myself, Mandy, James and Erin would like to thank everyone so much for their kindness and help over this last week. A very special thank you to Liam’s other family, the British Army, and particularly his fellow Coldstreamers. Their support during this very emotional time is ‘Nulli Secundus’."
The framed Newcastle shirt was signed by Liam's family and friends, and the pub has also made a Book of Condolence available to customers. The display gives grieving friends and relatives somewhere to sit, talk and remember him together. Police have said they are still working to establish whether the disturbance at The Boathouse in Wylam and the later collision on Wylam Bridge were directly linked to Liam ending up in the water.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
