Rugby community rallies around family as search goes on
Action Pictures/ReutersThe rugby community has rallied around the loved ones of former England rugby international Tom Voyes, who went missing in an area flooded by Storm Dara.
police Fears feared Mr Voyce died after trying to cross Aberwickforthis car was dragged along by a river near Alnwick, Northumberland.
Matt Dawson, who played alongside Mr Voyce at Wasps between 2004 and 2006, said he was unable to “express his sadness”.
Premier League Rugby said it was “shocked” and its thoughts were with Mr Voyce’s loved ones.
Search and rescue efforts have been ongoing since Sunday lunchtime when the 43-year-old failed to return home after a night out with friends.
His vehicle has been found but a spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “It is believed he was swept away while trying to escape and died.”
public mediaSearch and rescue teams have been gathering since dawn and are scouring the river bank from the ford between Bolton and Aberwick to the seaside at Alnmouth.
Coast Guard officers were involved in the search using small boats and trained dogs.
Level indicators at Ford show rivers are still around a foot deep but will be much higher when Storm Darla hits the UK at the weekend.
public mediaThe rugby community has expressed its support for Mr Voyce’s family.
His wife Anna and her family thanked police, friends and the local community for their help and support.
Mr Voyes made nine appearances for England from 2001 to 2006, playing for Wasps, Bath and Gloucester before retiring in 2013.
World Cup-winning England half-back Matt Dawson wrote on Instagram: “One of the greatest people in life… I can’t express my sadness right now… All the Dawsons send their love to Anna and the whole family and strength.”
Gloucester Rugby said they were “extremely saddened to hear the distressing news about our former player and friend”.
They added: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Northumbria PoliceThe British and Irish Lions Club said their “heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Mr Voyce’s family and friends at this extremely distressing time”.
Premiership Rugby added: “Everyone at Premiership Rugby is shocked by the news about Tom Voyce.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
Bath Rugby said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom Voyce’s family and friends at this incredibly painful time.”
Penryn Rugby Club, one of the first clubs founded by Mr Voyce in Cornwall, said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family, friends and everyone affected.”
Storm Dara brought severe weather to the UK starting in the early hours of Saturday morning, prompting a series of flood warnings.
The search involved specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s maritime unit, the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers.
Volunteers from two mountain rescue teams in Northumberland have also been assisting, as well as Mr Voyce’s family and friends.
Additional reporting by PA Media.
