A search has resumed for former England rugby player Tom Voyce who is believed to have died while attempting to drive across a flood-swollen river in Northumberland.
Police believe the 43-year-old was trying to cross Abberwick Ford, about three miles from Alnwick, when his car was pulled along with the current of the River Aln during Storm Darragh.
The former international is thought to have been heading home after spending Saturday evening with friends.
The car has already been recovered from the river.
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Tom Voyce playing for England in 2006. File pic: PA
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Teams are scouring the river in the rural area of Northumberland. Pic: PA
Search teams resumed their work at first light on Wednesday and are scouring the banks of the river from the ford, between Bolton village and Abberwick, to the sea at Alnmouth.
A water level indicator at the ford showed the river was still about a foot deep on Wednesday, but it would have been much higher at the weekend during Storm Darragh.
A bunch of red roses were left on the riverside by the ford.
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Pic: PA
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Pic: PA
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Pic: PA
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Pic: PA
The rugby union community has said its “thoughts and prayers” are with Voyce’s family.
World Cup-winning England scrum-half Matt Dawson, who played alongside Voyce at Wasps between 2004 and 2006, wrote on Instagram: “One of life’s wonderful humans… I can’t express my sadness right now… All the Dawsons send their love & strength to Anna and the whole family.”
England Rugby said its ” thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends” of its former player, who played at wing or full-back during his career.
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Pic: PA
Gloucester Rugby said it was “desperately sad to hear the distressing news regarding our former player and friend”, while Bath Rugby said its “thoughts and prayers” are with Voyce’s family and friends.
British and Irish Lions said it was sending its “heartfelt thoughts and prayers”.
Premiership Rugby said it was “devastated by the news”.
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Northumbria Police received a report on Sunday morning that Voyce had not returned home and believe he was attempting to escape from his car when he was “swept away and tragically died”.
The search has included specialist officers, drones and dog handlers.
Voyce won nine caps for England during his career and spent six years at Wasps, from 2003 to 2009, where he helped them win European and domestic titles, moving there from Bath and then eventually leaving to join Gloucester.
He made a total of 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.
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