Tom Voyce: Physique discovered in the hunt for ex-England rugby participant after automobile swept into river throughout Storm Darragh | Rugby union information

Specialist officers trying to find former England rugby participant Tom Voyce have discovered a physique close to the place he was swept away whereas attempting to cross a swollen river, police mentioned.

Issues had been raised concerning the 43-year-old ex-wing on Sunday after he didn’t return dwelling following an outing with mates on Saturday.

His Toyota Hilux was discovered downstream from Abberwick Ford on the River Aln, outdoors Alnwick, Northumberland, and police suspected he had been swept away whereas attempting to flee from the car .

River ranges had been significantly excessive this weekend as Storm Darragh hit the UK.

A significant search operation has been launched involving Northumbria Police, drones, the police helicopter, coastguard officers and the North Tyne and Northumberland Nationwide Park mountain rescue groups. Household and mates of the much-loved former rugby participant have additionally joined the search.

Northumbria Police mentioned they had been going through “very troublesome circumstances, significantly because of the move of the river and the considerably excessive degree following the exceptionally heavy rain over the weekend”.

Specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s marine unit made the unhappy discovery within the river close to Abberwick Mill on Thursday.

The pressure mentioned formal identification had not but taken place, however Voyce’s subsequent of kin had been knowledgeable and had been being supported by specialist officers.

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, mentioned: “That is a particularly unhappy improvement and our ideas proceed to be with Tom’s family members.

“I want to thank all our officers, companions and volunteers for his or her help all through the search which was carried out in very troublesome circumstances.

“We’ll proceed to ask individuals to respect the household’s privateness at the moment.”

Officers don’t imagine any third social gathering was concerned and a report will likely be ready for the coroner.

The rugby world expressed shock and unhappiness at his passing, together with messages from World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Lawrence Dallaglio, who misplaced his sister within the Marquise catastrophe within the Thames in 1989.

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, leaving Bathtub after which leaving to affix Gloucester in 2009.

He made 220 Premiership appearances earlier than retiring in Could 2013.

It was understood Voyce, who grew up in Cornwall, not too long ago moved to Northumberland after dwelling in London.