Former England rugby star Tom Voyce presumed dead after being swept away in river

Former England rugby star Tom Voyce is presumed dead after being swept away in a river, police say.

The 43-year-old, who played nine times for his country, is said to have been swept away in the current of the Abberwick Ford river as he attempted to drive across it.

The vehicle has been recovered and secured to the riverbank and specialist officers have been tirelessly searching for Voyce since Sunday lunchtime. However, with the former London Wasps star still missing after failing to return from a night out with friends, Northumbria Police fear that he has died.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "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.”

The flood in Northumberland occurred following the storm Storm Darragh which caused chaos in the United Kingdom last week.

As well as specialist officers, the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers were also involved in the search for Voyce, as were volunteers for North of Tyne Mountain Rescue and the fullback's friends and family.

"This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with Tom's loved ones at this time," Chief Superintendent Helena 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."

Voyce was first capped for England in 2001 and made his final appearance in 2006. As well as London Wasps, he represented Bath and Gloucester before calling time on his career in 2023.

Although from Truro in Cornwall, he has been living in Alnwick, Northumberland, for around four years.