England rugby star Tom Voyce feared dead after he ‘tried to escape car’ which was swept away in river during storm
EX-ENGLAND rugby star Tom Voyce is feared dead after his car went into a river during Storm Darragh.
Voyce, 43, is believed to have died after going into the River Aln in his car on Sunday.
Cops were alerted after the ex-wing did not return home following an evening with friends on Saturday.
He is believed to have attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car, which has then been pulled along with the current of the river, police say.
The car has since been recovered, but police did not find Mr Voyce.
He is believed to have been swept away while attempting to escape and died.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of 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 would ask that their privacy is respected.
“Extensive inquiries have been ongoing since concerns were raised for Tom, including deploying specialist teams to search for him.”
The search has included specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers.
Volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue have also been searching alongside Mr Voyce’s family and friends.
CS Barron added: “Our searches continue but we are dealing with very challenging circumstances in trying to recover Tom.
“This is down to the conditions, including the river flow and the level being significantly heightened due to the exceptionally heavy rain we experienced over the weekend.
“Sadly, we can therefore not provide any timescales around this.
“We would like to thank our colleagues from Mountain Rescue for their continued support and all those who have helped with the searches.”
Those who have been carrying out the searches have been doing so in a co-ordinated manner and are either trained or know the local area and terrain well.
Members of the public are asked not to attend the scene to conduct their own searches.
A Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) spokesperson said it was called to the scene at 2.10pm on Sunday by Northumbria Police.
A statement added: “We attended with our Swift Water Team and provided portable lighting units to assist the search.
“Our teams also secured the car to the bankside. NFRS has since been stood down by the police.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing person at this incredibly difficult time.”
The former wing won nine caps 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 comes after Storm Darragh battered the UK with 93mph winds and temperatures dropping down to -3C.
Two men were killed by falling trees, while more than 100,000 Brits were left without power.
Hundreds of flights were cancelled, while Britain’s rail network was also heavily impacted.