Rugby community rallies as search for star goes on

The rugby community has rallied around the loved ones of former England rugby international Tom Voyce, who went missing in an area flooded by Storm Darragh.

Police fear Mr Voyce has died after trying to cross Abberwick Ford, near Alnwick, Northumberland, in his car which was then pulled along by the current of the river.

Matt Dawson, who played alongside Mr Voyce at Wasps between 2004 and 2006, said he could not "express his sadness".

Premiership Rugby said it was "devastated" and thinking about Mr Voyce's loved ones.

A search has been ongoing since Sunday lunchtime when the 43-year-old did not return home from an evening with friends.

His vehicle has since been found, but a spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "It is believed in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died."

The rugby community has express its support for Mr Voyce's family.

His wife Anna and family expressed their gratitude for all the help and support from police, friends and the local community.

Mr Voyce was capped nine times for England from 2001 until 2006 and played for Wasps, Bath and Gloucester before retiring from the sport in 2013.

World Cup winning England scrum-half Matt Dawson 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."

British & Irish Lions said they sent their "heartfelt thoughts and prayers" to Mr Voyce's family and friends "during this deeply distressing time".

Premiership Rugby added: "Everyone at Premiership Rugby is devastated by the news regarding Tom Voyce.

"We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends."

Bath Rugby said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Voyce at this incredibly distressing time."

Penryn Rugby Football Club, one of Mr Voyce's first clubs in Cornwall, said: "Our thoughts and prayers go to Tom's family, friends and everyone affected."

Storm Darragh brought severe weather to the UK from the early hours of Saturday morning, prompting a number of flood warnings.

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

Volunteers from the two Mountain Rescue teams based in Northumberland have also been assisting, alongside Mr Voyce's family and friends.