Tom Voyce: Body found in search for former Rugby player feared dead after car went into river

A body has been found in the search for former England rugby player Tom Voyce, Northumbria Police said.

The 43-year-old was feared swept away after attempting to cross a flooded river, when his car was swept away in Storm Darragh on Saturday.

A search had been ongoing since Sunday, but a body has now been recovered.

Formal identification has not taken place but Voyce’s next of kin have been informed.

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said today: “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.”

Officers do not believe there to be any third-party involvement and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

A search party had been sent out after police were told he did not return home from an evening with friends on Saturday.

It is believed that he tried to cross Abberwick Ford, near Bolton, Northumberland, while driving, which was pulled into the river.

His Toyota Hilux was recovered around 15 metres downstream from the point where he tried to cross the river, but there was no sign of Voyce.

Voyce, who was capped nine times for England, retired from rugby in 2013 and has been living in Alnwick since 2020.

He also played for Bath, Wasps and Gloucester at club level.

More to follow…