A body has been found in the search for a former rugby union star who went missing during Storm Darragh.
It is believed Tom Voyce, who won nine caps for England between 2001 and 2006, was washed out to sea while trying to find his car in Northumberland, North East England, during Sunday's storm.
While formal identification has yet to take place, the 43-year-old's next of kin have been notified.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “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.”
The rugby star, who also played for Bath, Gloucester, Wasps and London Welsh over a distinguished career before retiring in 2013, was reported missing on Sunday after he didn't return home from a night out with friends.
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Northumbria Police announced on Tuesday that they believed he had been swept away by the current of the River Aln while trying to cross Abberwick Ford in his car, Mirror UK reports.
His car was found, but despite extensive searches, police failed to find Mr Voyce. A major search was conducted by specialist officers from the Northumbria Police's Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, drones, dog handlers, volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue and Voyce's family and friends.
Originally from Cornwall, he settled in Alnwick with his wife Anna in 2020. The family were deeply touched by the way the community came together to help search for Mr Voyce.
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