Body found in search for missing ex-England rugby player
Northumbria Police say a body has been found in the searches for missing former England rugby player Tom Voyce
Northumbria Police say a body has been found in the searches for missing former England rugby player Tom Voyce.
Concerns were raised for the former England rugby international on Sunday, after he had not returned home from being out with friends the previous evening.
It is believed the 43-year-old had gone into the River Aln near Alnwick – after attempting to cross Abberwick Ford in his car.
Extensive searches were subsequently carried out by Northumbria Police and a range of partners, including from the National Police Air Service, North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team.
Tom’s family and friends were also involved in the search.
These were carried out in very challenging conditions, not least due to the river flow and the level being significantly heightened after the exceptionally heavy rain experienced over the weekend.
Specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit made the sad find in the river near Abberwick Mill earlier today.
Formal identification is yet to take place but Tom’s next of kin have been notified and are currently being supported by specialist officers.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely sad development and our thoughts very much continue to be with Tom’s loved ones.
“I would like to thank all of our officers, partners and volunteers for their assistance throughout the searches which have been conducted in very challenging circumstances.
“We would continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this time.”
Officers do not believe there to be any third-party involvement and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The world of rugby expressed its shock and sadness when he went missing, including messages from World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Lawrence Dallaglio, who lost his sister in the Marchioness disaster in the Thames in 1989.
Voyce 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, moving there from Bath and then leaving to join Gloucester in 2009.
He made 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.
It was understood Voyce, who was raised in Cornwall, relocated to Northumberland recently after living in London.