FORMER ENGLAND rugby star Tom Voyce is feared dead after his car plunged into a river during Storm Darragh.
Voyce, 43, is believed to have died after driving his car into the River Aln on Sunday.
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Tom Voyce in a publicity photo for Gloucester 2011. Credit: Getty
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Tom Voyce in action for England
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Voyce in action for London Welsh against Newport Gwent Dragons at the Kassam Stadium on February 3, 2013 Credit: Getty
Police were alerted after the former winger failed to return home after a night out with friends on Saturday.
He is believed to have tried to cross the Abberwick Ford in his car, which was then pulled along with the river’s current, police say.
The car has since been recovered, but police have not found Mr Voyce.
It is believed that he was carried away while trying to escape and died.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, from Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with Tom’s loved ones at this time.
“Our officers continue to support his family and we ask that their privacy be respected.
“Since concerns about Tom were raised, extensive inquiries have been underway, including specialist teams being sent to search for him.”
Specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s marine division, the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers are involved in the search.
Volunteers from North of Tyne Mountain Rescue also searched alongside family and friends of Mr Voyce.
CS Barron added: “Our search continues but we are facing very challenging circumstances in trying to recover Tom.
“This is due to conditions, including the flow of the river and significantly elevated levels due to the extremely heavy rain we experienced over the weekend.
“Unfortunately, therefore, we cannot give any time frames around that.
“We thank our colleagues from the Mountain Rescue Service for their continuous support and everyone who helped in the search.”
Those who conducted the search did so in a coordinated manner and were trained or had a good knowledge of the local area and terrain.
Citizens are asked not to come to the scene to conduct their own search.
A spokesman for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) said Northumbria Police was called to the scene at 2.10pm on Sunday.
The statement added: “We attended with our Swift Water Team and provided portable lighting units to assist in the search.
“Our teams also secured a car along the coast. The NFRS has since been suspended by the police.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing person at this incredibly difficult time.”
The former winger played nine games for England and played for Bath, London Wasps and Gloucester during a successful career.
His six years at Wasps included winning European and domestic titles
Voyce made a total of 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.
It came after Storm Darragh hit the UK with winds of 93mph and temperatures plunging to -3C.
Two men were killed by falling trees, while more than 100,000 Britons were left without power.
Hundreds of flights were cancelled, while Britain’s rail network was also badly hit.
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Voyce won European and domestic titles Credit: Getty
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