A body has been found in the search for former England rugby union star Tom Voyce after he was tragically washed out to sea during Storm Darragh.
While formal identification is yet to take place, Voyce'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.”
Voyce went missing on Sunday, having not returned home after a night out with friends. 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.
Police found Voyce's car, but despite extensive searches, failed to discover the 43-year-old. A huge 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.
Voyce won nine caps for England between 2001 and 2006, scoring 15 points. He played as a winger or full-back, turning out for Bath, Gloucester, Wasps and London Welsh over a distinguished career before retiring in 2013.
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 Voyce.
Former England skipper Lawrence Dallaglio, an ex-teammate of Voyce, expressed his sorrow at the news on Wednesday.
Dallaglio, whose sister Francesca was killed in the 1989 Marchioness disaster on the Thames when a boat carrying party-goers collided with a dredger, sent his best wishes to Voyce’s family.
“It’s the most horrific news and all I would say at this juncture is that please let us all respect Tom’s family and their suffering right now and keep them in all our thoughts," he said.
“Having experienced the same emotions myself when Francesca was missing and presumed dead. Her body wasn’t recovered for 4 days after the marchioness sank. It’s just such a tragedy. Sending all my love."