Ex-England wing feared dead after ‘extremely tragic incident’

Former England wing Tom Voyce.
Former England international Tom Voyce is believed to have died after he went missing in an area of Northumberland which was flooded during Storm Darragh.
Northumbria Police started its search on Sunday lunchtime when the former Bath, Wasps and Gloucester star did not return home from an evening out with friends.
It is believed that 43-year-old Voyce had attempted to cross Abberwick Ford, near Alnwick. Local police suspect he was pulled away by the current of the River Aln.
Search continues
“We are searching for a man believed to have gone into the River Aln near Alnwick,” Northumbria Police said in a statement which was made on Tuesday evening.
“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.”
Ch Supt 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.”
Nine England caps
As well as playing for Bath, Wasps and Gloucester in the Premiership, Voyce also turned out for London Welsh and was a two-time European Cup winner with Wasps.
The wing was capped nine times for his country, making his Test debut in 2001, and retired from professional rugby in 2013. He has been living in Alnwick since 2020.