Former England rugby international Tom Voyce is feared dead after he went missing during Storm Darragh.
Northumbria Police say they received a report on Sunday about how Voyce had not returned home having been out the night before.
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The 43-year-old is suspected to have attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car, although it was pulled along by the river’s current.
“We are searching for a man believed to have gone into the River Aln near Alnwick,” a statement from the police read.
“Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since we received a report on Sunday that former England rugby international player Tom Voyce, 43, had not returned home after being out with friends the previous evening.
“At this time, it is suspected Tom has attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car which has then been pulled along with the current of the river.
“Officers have since recovered his car, but sadly Tom is yet to be found. It is believed in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died.
“This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time. We continue to support his family and we would ask that their privacy is respected.
“Our searches continue but we are dealing with very challenging circumstances in trying to recover Tom. Sadly, we can therefore not provide any timescales around this.
“Tom’s wife Anna and all his family have expressed their gratitude for all the help and support from officers, friends and the local community with helping find Tom.
“Those who have been carrying out the searches have been doing so in a coordinated manner and are either trained or know the local area and terrain well.
“Members of the public are asked not to attend the scene to conduct their own searches.”
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Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time.
“Our searches continue but we are dealing with very challenging circumstances.”
Storm Darragh brought severe weather to the UK last week, with a number of flood warnings being issued across the country.
As reported by the BBC, specialist officers of the Northumbria Police Marine Section have been deployed in the search alongside the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers.
Voyce made nine appearances for the England national side from 2001 to 2006.
At club level he played for Bath, London Wasps, Gloucester and London Welsh across a 13-year career.
