Police are searching for a former England rugby union international player who is thought to have died in an attempt to escape his car after it was swept away.
Tom Voyce, 43, is understood to have attempted to cross Abberwick Ford, near Alnwick, Northumberland, in his car which was then pulled along with the current of the river.
Officers were first alerted on Sunday (December 8) that the former athlete, originally from Truro, did not return home after an evening with friends.
Tom Voyce, 43. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) Officers have since recovered his car from the river, but sadly Tom is yet to be found. As of now, police believe he may have died whilst trying to escape from his car.
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.”
A range of resources have been used in the search for Tom, including specialist officers from the Force’s Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers.
Chief Supt Barron added: “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 North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team for their continued support and all those who have helped with the searches.”
Members of the public are asked not to attend the scene to conduct their own searches.
Tom’s wife Anna and all his family have expressed their gratitude for all the help and support from the police, friends and the local community with helping find Tom.
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