A body has been discovered amid the ongoing efforts to locate former England rugby player Tom Voyce, whose vehicle was carried away by a river during Storm Darragh.
The 43-year-old was last seen entering the River Aln on Sunday.
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Chief Superintendent Helena Barron from Northumbria Police remarked, “This is an extremely unfortunate turn of events, and our thoughts are with Tom’s family and friends.
“I would like to express gratitude to all our officers, partners, and volunteers for their efforts during the searches, which were conducted under particularly challenging conditions.
“We kindly request that the family’s privacy be respected during this time.”
DISAPPEARED WITHOUT A TRACE
Authorities were notified when the former winger failed to return home after a Saturday night with friends.
It is believed he might have attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car, which became ensnared by the river’s current.
The vehicle has been retrieved, and searches for Voyce have continued due to fears he may have been swept away.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron previously stated, “This is a profoundly tragic situation, and our thoughts remain with Tom’s loved ones during this trying period.
“Our officers continue to offer support to his family, and we ask for their privacy to be respected.
“Intensive investigations have been ongoing since concerns arose for Tom, including the deployment of specialized teams for searches.”
Search operations have included specialized units from Northumbria Police’s Marine Section, with assistance from the National Police Air Service, drones, and rescue dogs.
Volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue team have also participated in the search alongside Mr. Voyce’s family and friends.
Efforts are being coordinated by teams that have specialized training or local area expertise.
The public is urged not to conduct personal searches in the area.
A representative from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) mentioned they arrived on the scene at 2:10 p.m. on Sunday at the request of Northumbria Police.
The statement continued: “We arrived with our Swift Water Team and provided portable lighting to assist in the search.
“Our teams also secured the vehicle to the riverbank. The NFRS was subsequently released from the scene by police.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing individual during this incredibly difficult time.”
The former winger earned nine caps for England and had a distinguished playing career with Bath, London Wasps, and Gloucester.
He spent six years at Wasps, achieving both European and domestic championships during that time.
Voyce made a total of 220 Premiership appearances before he retired in May 2013.
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