A body has been found in the search for former England rugby player Tom Voyce.
He went missing on Saturday while attempting to drive across a flood-swollen river in Northumberland.
Police previously said they believe the 43-year-old was trying to cross Abberwick Ford, about three miles from Alnwick, when his car was pulled along with the current of the River Aln during the recent Storm Darragh.
The former international is thought to have been heading home after spending Saturday evening with friends.
His car has already been recovered from the river.
Formal identification has not taken place but Voyce’s next of kin have been informed
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely sad development and our thoughts very much continue to be with Tom’s loved ones.
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“I would like to thank all of our officers, partners and volunteers for their assistance throughout the searches which have been conducted in very challenging circumstances.
“We would continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this time.”
Search teams have spent recent days scouring the banks of the river from the ford, between Bolton village and Abberwick, to the sea at Alnmouth.
World Cup-winning England scrum-half Matt Dawson, who played alongside Voyce at Wasps between 2004 and 2006, wrote on social media: “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.”
England Rugby said its “thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends” of its former player.
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British and Irish Lions said it was sending its “heartfelt thoughts and prayers”.
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Premiership Rugby said it was “devastated by the news”.
