(Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)
Two men have been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of 22-year-old Liam Potts.
The Northumberland man had not returned home after a night out with friends, sparking a desperate search which entered its fourth day.
Liam was last seen at about 12.20am on Saturday, August 15, heading into Wylam from Wylam Bridge.
Specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit made the discovery in the river close to Wylam Bridge on August 18.
Two men, aged 22 and 23, have been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
They remain in police custody.
A disturbance had been reported the same night Liam went missing at The Boathouse, followed by a collision on Wylam Bridge involving a vehicle and pedestrians.
A man and woman, both in their 20s, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the collision.
Northumbria Police have confirmed they are now investigating whether the two incidents are linked.
A spokesman from Northumbria Police said: "At the time Liam’s body was found, we did not believe there to be any third-party involvement in his disappearance.
"However, following further enquiries we are now looking to establish whether the circumstances of the disturbance and subsequent collision on Wylam bridge have directly led to Liam entering the water."
The force’s Major Investigation Team is now leading the inquiry.
Northumbria Police have confirmed that Mr Potts was neither an occupant of the vehicle nor struck by it.
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He was last seen leaving the bridge on foot towards Wylam.
Northumbria Police have asked the public to avoid speculation, as it could impact the investigation.
They have also requested that the privacy of Mr Potts’ family is respected.