England rugby star Tom Voyce feared dead after he ‘tried to escape car’ which was swept away in river during storm

EX-ENGLAND rugby star Tom Voyce is feared dead after his car went into a river during Storm Darragh.

Voyce, 43, is believed to have died after going into the River Aln in his car on Sunday.

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Tom Voyce in a publicity photo for Gloucester in 2011[/caption]

Tom Voyce in action for England

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Voyce in action for London Welsh against Newport Gwent Dragons at the Kassam Stadium on February 3, 2013[/caption]

Cops were alerted after the ex-wing did not return home following an evening with friends on Saturday.

He is believed to have attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car, which has then been pulled along with the current of the river, police say.

The car has since been recovered, but police did not find Mr Voyce.

He is believed to have been swept away while attempting to escape and died.

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time.

“Our officers continue to support his family and we would ask that their privacy is respected.

“Extensive inquiries have been ongoing since concerns were raised for Tom, including deploying specialist teams to search for him.”

The search has included specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers.

Volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue have also been searching alongside Mr Voyce’s family and friends.

CS Barron added: “Our searches continue but we are dealing with very challenging circumstances in trying to recover Tom.

“This is down to the conditions, including the river flow and the level being significantly heightened due to the exceptionally heavy rain we experienced over the weekend.

“Sadly, we can therefore not provide any timescales around this.

“We would like to thank our colleagues from Mountain Rescue for their continued support and all those who have helped with the searches.”

A Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) spokesperson said it was called to the scene at 2.10pm on Sunday by Northumbria Police.

A statement added: “We attended with our Swift Water Team and provided portable lighting units to assist the search.

“Our teams also secured the car to the bankside. NFRS has since been stood down by the police.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing person at this incredibly difficult time.”

The former wing won nine caps for England and played for Bath, London Wasps and Gloucester during a successful career.

It comes after Storm Darragh battered the UK with 93mph winds and temperatures dropping down to -3C.

Two men were killed by falling trees, while more than 100,000 Brits were left without power.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled, while Britain’s rail network was also heavily impacted.