Tom Voyce missing: Everything we know so far as divers search for England rugby player

Former England international rugby player Tom Voyce is feared dead after being swept away by a river.

The former Wasps star, who won European and domestic titles with the club, was last seen on Saturday, and now the rugby community is fearing the worst.

Storm Darragh wreaked havoc across the United Kingdom last weekend, with Northumberland experiencing gusts of 58mph along with 44mm of rain. The conditions caused power outages and flooding across the country and there are still areas without power today.

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Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service have dealt with numerous calls in regard to fallen trees, power cuts and surface water flooding affecting roads.

We take a look at everything that is known about the incident so far, with the search still continuing for the 43-year-old.

Alarm raised

Northumbria Police stated that they received a report on Sunday that Voyce had not returned home after being out with his friends. He is expected to have crossed the Abberwick Ford in Northumberland while in his car, where it is believed he was pulled along with the current of the River Aln.

A Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) spokesperson said they were called to the scene at 2.10pm on Sunday by Northumbria Police.

He has not been seen since Saturday.

Police statement

A statement from Northumbria Police on Tuesday read: "We are searching for a man believed to have gone into the River Aln near Alnwick. Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since we received a report on Sunday that former England rugby international Tom Voyce, 43, had not returned home after being out with friends.

"At this time, it is suspected Tom has attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car which has then been pulled along with the current of the river.

"Officers have since recovered his car, but sadly Tom is yet to be found," the statement added. "It is believed in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died.

"This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time. We continue to support his family and we would ask that their privacy is respected.

"Our searches continue but we are dealing with very challenging circumstances in trying to recover Tom. Sadly, we can therefore not provide any timescales around this.

"Tom’s wife Anna and all his family have expressed their gratitude for all the help and support from officers, friends and the local community with helping find Tom.

"Those who have been carrying out the searches have been doing so in a coordinated 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."

The search

The search for Voyce began on Sunday afternoon when he did not return home.

The police search has involved specialist officers from the force's Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers. Volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue have also been helping with the search.

The car was recovered from the River Aln but there is still no sign of Voyce himself.

A water-level indicator showed the river was still around one foot deep on Wednesday, but it would have been significantly higher on the weekend. North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team confirmed 22 volunteers are helping in the search.

Members of the public have been asked not to attend the scene to conduct their own searches, while the Voyce family have thanked the police, local community and friends for helping.

As of Wednesday, December 11, search teams have been in the river since first light, with officers from the coastguard using a dinghy and trained dog to try to find Voyce.

Rugby community rocked

World Cup-winning scrum-half Matt Dawson has paid tribute to Voyce, writing on Instagram: "One of life’s wonderful humans … I can’t express my sadness right now … All the Dawsons send their love & strength to Anna and the whole family."

The pair has played together at Wasps 20 years ago.

England Rugby wrote on X: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Voyce at this extremely challenging time.”

Gloucester Rugby posted as well, saying: “Gloucester Rugby is desperately sad to hear the distressing news regarding our former player and friend Tom Voyce. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

Premiership Rugby wrote: "Everyone at Premiership Rugby is devastated by the news regarding Tom Voyce.

"We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends."

Andy Goode wrote: "So sad to hear of the suspected loss of my old team mate Tom Voyce, he was a great bloke who I spent many fun times with. RIP mate you’ll be missed Voycey."