Specialist officers trying to find lacking former England rugby participant Tom Voyce have discovered a physique near the place he was swept away whereas making an attempt to drive throughout a flood-swollen river, police have mentioned.
Considerations have been raised for the 43-year-old ex-wing on Sunday after he didn’t return dwelling after being out with mates on Saturday.
His Toyota Hilux was recovered downstream from Abberwick Ford on the River Aln outdoors Alnwick, Northumberland, and police suspected he was swept away whereas making an attempt to flee the automobile.
The river stage was significantly excessive on the weekend when Storm Darragh lashed the UK.
A significant search operation was launched involving Northumbria Police, drones, the police helicopter, coastguard officers and the North of Tyne and Northumberland Nationwide Park Mountain Rescue Groups. Household and mates of the much-loved former rugby participant additionally joined the search.
Northumbria Police mentioned they confronted “very challenging conditions, not least due to the river flow and the level being significantly heightened after the exceptionally heavy rain experienced over the weekend”.
On Thursday, specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit made the unhappy discover within the river close to Abberwick Mill.
The drive mentioned formal identification was but to happen however Voyce’s subsequent of kin have been notified and have been being supported by specialist officers.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, mentioned: “This is an extremely sad development and our thoughts very much continue to be with Tom’s loved ones.
“I wish to thank all of our officers, companions and volunteers for his or her help all through the searches which have been performed in very difficult circumstances.
“We would continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this time.”
Officers don’t consider there to be any third-party involvement and a report might be ready for the coroner.
The world of rugby expressed its shock and disappointment when he went lacking, together with messages from World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Lawrence Dallaglio, who misplaced his sister within the Marchioness catastrophe within the Thames in 1989.
Former England worldwide Mike Tindall, who performed with Voyce at Gloucester, paid tribute to his former team-mate in a submit shared by his podcast The Good, The Unhealthy, And The Rugby, which learn: “He epitomised rugby as a game for all
shapes and sizes, punching well above his weight.
“His capability to interrupt tackles and his sturdiness have been distinctive. He was an awesome character off the pitch.”
His podcast co-host, and former England star, James Haskell also paid tribute to Voyce, adding: “He was a team-mate, a good friend and an unbelievable participant – somebody I admired.
“He will be sorely missed by everybody.”
Voyce gained 9 caps for England throughout his profession and spent six years at Wasps, from 2003 to 2009, the place he helped them win European and home titles, transferring there from Tub after which leaving to affix Gloucester in 2009.
He made 220 Premiership appearances earlier than retiring in Might 2013.
It was understood Voyce, who was raised in Cornwall, relocated to Northumberland just lately after dwelling in London.
