Household handoutPolice concern former England rugby worldwide Tom Voyce has died after he went lacking in an space of Northumberland which was flooded throughout Storm Darragh.
Northumbria Police started its search on Sunday lunchtime when the 43-year-old didn’t return residence from a night with mates.
It’s suspected Mr Voyce tried to cross Abberwick Ford, close to Alnwick, in his automotive which was then pulled alongside by the present of the river.
Officers have since recovered the automobile, however a power spokesperson stated: “It’s believed in his makes an attempt to flee he has been swept away and tragically died.”
Specialist officers from the Northumbria Police’s Marine Part, the Nationwide Police Air Service, drones and canine handlers have been all deployed within the search.
Volunteers from the 2 Mountain Rescue groups based mostly in Northumberland have additionally been aiding, alongside Mr Voyce’s household and mates.
His spouse Anna and his household expressed their gratitude for all the assistance and assist from police, mates and the local people.
Ch Supt Helena Barron stated: “That is a particularly tragic incident and our ideas are very a lot with Tom’s family members right now.
“Our searches proceed however we’re coping with very difficult circumstances in attempting to get well Tom.
“That is all the way down to the situations, together with the river circulate and the extent being considerably heightened as a result of exceptionally heavy rain we skilled over the weekend.”
A staff from Northumberland Hearth Service secured Mr Voyce’s automotive to the riverbank, however the brigade has since been stood down from the search.
PAMr Voyce, from Truro in Cornwall, was capped 9 occasions for England from 2001 till 2006.
He performed for Wasps, Tub and Gloucester earlier than retiring from the game in 2013, and has been dwelling in Alnwick since 2020.