Search for former England rugby winger ends tragically, swept away by floods

Specialist police searching for missing former England rugby player Tom Boyce have discovered his body near where he was swept away while trying to cross a flooded river.

Concerns were raised on Sunday about the 43-year-old former player failing to return home after going out with friends on Saturday.

His Toyota Hilux was recovered downstream from Abberwick Ford on the River Aln, outside Alnwick, Northumberland, and police suspected he had tried to escape the vehicle and had been swept away.

River levels were particularly high at the weekend when Storm Darragh hit the UK.

A large-scale search operation has been launched involving Northumbria Police, drones, police helicopters, coastguard officers and North Tyne and Northumberland National Park mountain rescue teams.

Family and friends of the much-loved former rugby player also joined the search.

Northumbria Police said: “We are faced with a very difficult situation, with river flows and levels rising significantly, particularly as a result of the unusually heavy rain that occurred over the weekend.”

On Thursday specialist officers from Northumbria Police Marine Corps made the sad discovery in the river near Abberwick Mill.

Police said no formal identification had yet been made but Boyce’s next of kin had been notified and were being supported by specialist officers.

Northumbria Police Chief Constable Helena Barron said: “This is a very sad situation and our thoughts continue to be with Tom’s loved ones.

“I would like to thank all our officers, partners and volunteers for their assistance throughout the search operation, which was carried out in very difficult circumstances.

“We will continue to ask people to respect the family’s privacy at this time.”

Officers do not believe there was any third party involvement and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

The rugby world expressed shock and sadness at his disappearance, including messages from World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Lawrence Dallaglio.

Boyce earned nine caps for England during his career and spent six years with Wasps between 2003 and 2009, winning European and domestic titles after joining Gloucester in 2009 after moving there from Bath. helped me do it.

He made 220 Premier League appearances before retiring in May 2013.

Boyce, who grew up in Cornwall, is said to have lived in London before recently moving to Northumberland.

© AAP