Sad end in search for missing rugby hero
Police have made a devastating discovery just metres away from where England rugby hero Tom Voyce vanished in rising flood waters.
Concerns were raised for the 43-year-old ex-wing on Sunday after he failed to return home after being out with friends on Saturday.
Authorities believe he was trying to drive across a flooded river, as his Toyota Hilux was found downstream.
A major search operation was launched involving Northumbria Police, drones, the police helicopter, coastguard officers and the North of Tyne and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Teams, with family and friends of the much-loved former rugby player also joining the search.
Northumbria Police said they faced “very challenging conditions, not least due to the river flow and the level being significantly heightened after the exceptionally heavy rain experienced over the weekend”.
On Thursday, police said they had found a body during their search.
The force said formal identification was yet to take place but Voyce’s next of kin have been notified and were being supported by specialist officers.
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.”
During his stellar rugby career, Voyce won nine caps for England and spent six years at Wasps, from 2003 to 2009, helping them win European and domestic titles after moving there from Bath and then leaving to join Gloucester in 2009.
He made 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.
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