Former England rugby union international Tom Voyce, 43, is believed to have died after his car entered the River Aln, according to Northumbria police. Officers received a report on Sunday morning that Voyce, who played for clubs such as Bath and Wasps, had not returned home after spending an evening with friends. It is thought that he attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car, which was then carried away by the river's current. The vehicle has since been recovered, but Voyce has not been found, and it is believed he was swept away while trying to escape and has since died.

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." The heavy rain brought by Storm Darragh over the weekend is believed to have contributed to the rising water levels of the River Aln.

Specialist officers from the marine section, the National Police Air Service, drones, and dog handlers have been deployed in the search for Voyce, alongside volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue, as well as members of his family and friends. Barron added: "Our searches continue, but we are dealing with very challenging circumstances in trying to recover Tom. This is due 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."

The searches have been conducted in a coordinated manner, with participants either trained or familiar with the local area and terrain. Members of the public are asked not to attend the scene to conduct their own searches. Voyce’s wife, Anna, and his family have expressed their gratitude for the support from the police, friends, and the local community in the search efforts.

A spokesperson for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) said they were called to the scene at 2.10pm on Sunday by Northumbria police. "We attended with our Swift Water Team and provided portable lighting units to assist the search," they said. "Our teams also secured the car to the bankside. NFRS has since been stood down by the police. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing person at this incredibly difficult time."

Voyce won nine caps for England during his career and spent six years at Wasps, from 2003 to 2009, where he helped the team win European and domestic titles. He moved to Wasps from Bath and later joined Gloucester in 2009. Voyce made a total of 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.

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