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Ex England Rugby player Tom Voyce, 43, is believed to have died after driving his car into the River Aln. Northumbria Police he said.
Police said officers received a report on Sunday morning that Mr Voyce, who played for clubs including Bath and London Waspshe didn’t come home after an evening with friends.
Northumbria Police said he is believed to have attempted to cross the Abberwick Ford in his car which was then swept away by the high-flowing river current. due to bad weather in Storm Darragh.
The car has since been recovered but officers have not found Mr Voyce and it is believed he was swept away as he tried to escape and died.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, from Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time.
“Our officers continue to support his family and we ask that their privacy be respected.
“Extensive inquiries have been underway since concerns about Tom were raised, including the deployment of specialist teams to search for him.”
Specialists from the Department of Maritime Affairs, the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers are involved in the search.
Volunteers from North of Tyne Mountain Rescue also searched alongside Mr Voyce’s family and friends.
Chief Barron added: “Our search continues but we are facing very challenging circumstances in trying to recover Tom.
“This is due to the conditions, including the river flow and the level which has increased significantly due to the extremely heavy rain we had over the weekend.
“Unfortunately, therefore, we cannot give any time frames around this.
“We would like to thank our colleagues from Mountain Rescue for their continued support and everyone who helped in the search.”
Citizens are asked not to come to the scene to conduct the search themselves.
A spokesman said Voyce’s wife Anna and his entire family expressed their gratitude for all the help and support from police, friends and the local community in finding Tom.
Voyce won nine England caps during his career and spent six years at Wasps, from 2003 to 2009, where he helped them win the European and domestic titles, moving from Bath before leaving to join Gloucester in 2009. year.
He made a total of 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.
More to come in this news