TRAGIC DISCOVERY
Body found in search for England rugby star Tom Voyce who tried to drive across flood-swollen river during Storm Darragh
Voyce did not return after an evening with friends on Saturday
A BODY has been found in the search for ex-England rugby star Tom Voyce after his car went into a river during Storm Darragh.
The 43-year-old went into the River Aln in Northumberland on Sunday - with his family and friends involved in the subsequent search effort.
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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.”
Members of the Police Marine Unit have been working at the scene at Abberwick Ford, near Alnwick, this week.
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Cops were alerted after ex-wing Voyce did not return home following an evening with friends on Saturday.
He is believed to have attempted to cross the ford in his car, which was then been pulled along with the current of the river, police say.
The car was initially recovered, and searches continued for Voyce who was feared to have been swept away.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, previously said: "This is an extremely tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with Tom's loved ones at this time.
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"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 search has included specialist officers from Northumbria Police's Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers.
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Volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue have also been searching alongside Voyce’s family and friends.
Those who have been carrying out the searches have been doing so in a co-ordinated 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.
A Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) spokesperson said it was called to the scene at 2.10pm on Sunday by Northumbria Police.
A statement added: "We attended with our Swift Water Team and provided portable lighting units to assist the search.
“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.”
The former wing won nine caps for England and played for Bath, London Wasps and Gloucester during a successful career.
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His six years at Wasps included winning European and domestic titles
Voyce made a total of 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.
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