Northumbria Police said it is believed former England rugby player Tom Boyce, 43, died after driving into the River Arun.
The force said officers received reports on Sunday morning that Mr Boyce, who played at clubs including Bath and Wasps, had not returned home after a night out with friends. Northumbria Police said it is believed the man was attempting to cross Abberwick Ford in his car when his car was pulled over by the current. The car was later recovered, but officers were unable to find Boyce, who is believed to have been washed away and died while fleeing.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a very tragic incident and our thoughts are with Tom's loved ones at this time. Our officers continue to work hard to protect him. We support Tom's family and ask that their privacy be respected.Since concerns were raised about Tom, an extensive investigation has continued, including sending specialist teams to search for him.
Northumbria Police said heavy rain brought on by Storm Dollar had helped to raise water levels on the River Erne over the weekend. The force has sent specialist maritime personnel to search for Boyce, along with the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers, while volunteers from the North Tyne Mountain Rescue Team have also been working with Boyce's family and friends. are.
Mr Barron added: “Our search continues, but we face extremely difficult conditions to rescue Tom. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a timescale on this. We would like to thank our colleagues at Mountain Rescue for their continued support and all those who have assisted in the search. I would like to thank everyone.”
The people conducting the searches are either trained or familiar with the local area and terrain and work together to carry out the search. The public is asked not to go to the scene to conduct their own search.
A spokesperson said Mr Boyce's wife Anna and the entire family thanked police, friends and the community for all their help and support in the search for Mr Boyce.
A spokesperson for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) said they were called to the scene by Northumbria Police at 2.10pm on Sunday. “We attended alongside the Swift Water team and provided portable lighting units to assist in the search,” they said. “Our team also secured the vehicle on shore. Since then, the NFRS has been in police custody. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the missing persons at this incredibly difficult time. there is.”
Boyce won nine caps for England during his career and spent six years with Wasps from 2003 to 2009, helping them win European and domestic titles before moving from Bath and joining Gloucester in 2009. . He played in a total of 220 games. He played in the Premier League until retiring in May 2013.
