Tom Voyce update: England send prayers as ex-player is feared dead after car goes into river during Storm Darragh

Former England rugby international Tom Voyce is feared dead after he went missing during Storm Darragh.

England Rugby has sent their ‘thoughts and prayers’ during this ‘extremely challenging time’ for all involved with the incident.

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Northumbria Police say they received a report on Sunday about how Voyce had not returned home having been out the night before.

The 43-year-old is suspected to have attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car but it was pulled along by the river’s current.

“We are searching for a man believed to have gone into the River Aln near Alnwick,” a statement from the police read.

“Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since we received a report on Sunday that former England rugby international player Tom Voyce, 43, had not returned home after being out with friends the previous evening.

“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. 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.

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“Members of the public are asked not to attend the scene to conduct their own searches.”

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron added: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time.

“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.”

Storm Darragh brought severe weather to the UK last week, with a number of flood warnings being issued across the country.

As reported by the BBC, specialist officers of the Northumbria Police Marine Section have been deployed in the search alongside the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers.

Voyce made nine appearances for the England national side from 2001 to 2006.

England Rugby said on social media: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Voyce at this extremely challenging time.”

At club level he played for Bath, London Wasps, Gloucester and London Welsh across a 13-year career.

Bath Rugby said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Voyce at this incredibly distressing time.”

And Gloucester added: “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.”