England rugby player Tom Voyce feared dead after car is found in river

Former England rugby player Tom Voyce is believed to have died after entering a river in his car. Cornwall-born Voyce, who played for Gloucester for several years, is thought to have tried to cross the River Aln in his car after spending Saturday evening with friends, but was swept away by the current.

Northumbria Police said "extensive enquiries" had been made to find the former rugby player since initial reports were made on Sunday, December 8. Searches of the river have since turned up Mr Voyce's car, but he had not been found. "It is believed in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died," the police force said in a statement.

It is believed that Tom attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car which was then pulled along with the current of the river. The car has since been recovered but officers did not find the former Gloucester and Bath player and it is believed he was swept away while attempting to escape and has died.

READ MORE: Snatched baby Abbie Humphries taken from hospital as newborn dies aged just 30

READ MORE: School issues stranger danger warning as man seen 'lurking' outside school follows pupils

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 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."

Northumbria Police said the heavy rain brought by Storm Darragh played a part in raising the level of the River Aln over the weekend. The force has deployed specialist officers from its marine section alongside the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers in the search for Mr Voyce, while volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue have also been looking, joined by members of Mr Voyce’s family and friends.

Ms 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.”

Mr Voyce, born in Cornwall, won nine caps for England during his career and spent six years at Wasps, from 2003 to 2009, where he helped them win European and domestic titles, having moved there from Bath. He then left to join Gloucester in 2009.

He made a total of 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.