Former England rugby player Tom Voyce, 43, presumed dead after being swept away in a river
Former England rugby player Tom Voyce is believed by police to have died at the age of 43 after being swept away in a river that he tried to drive across.
Police have recovered his car but the former rugby player is still missing, with specialist officers deployed as part of their search efforts.
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.”
Police received a report on Sunday (8 December) morning saying that Voyce hadn't returned home after an evening out with friends.
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 enquiries have been ongoing since concerns were raised for Tom, including deploying specialist teams to search for him.
"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.
“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.”
Members of the public have been asked not to try and carry out their own searches for the 43-year-old, as those who are part of the efforts are trained individuals who know the surrounding area.
A police spokesperson also said that Tom's wife Anna and his wider family expressed gratitude for all the help and support that had been provided to them.
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service said they'd been called in to assist Northumbria Police at 2:10pm on Sunday and were able to secure Voyce's car.
They said: "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.”
Joe Harker