An investigation is to be launched into the disappearance and suspected death of a teenage Royal Navy sailor in Gibraltar in 1986.

Simon Parkes, 18, was last seen on December 12 after disembarking from HMS Illustrious and spending an evening in bars with his crewmates.

The Gibraltar Coroner will hear the case on a date to be fixed following permission from the Gibraltar Government.

The sailor’s mother, Margaret Parkes, 78, of Kingswood, Bristol, said news of the investigation had given her closure.

No trace of Mr Parkes was ever found, despite a series of searches in Gibraltar by Hampshire Police.

Most recently, an underground water tank and cemetery were examined in January.

Detectives have already investigated the possible involvement of serial killer Allan Grimson, who served on HMS Illustrious at the same time as Mr Parkes.

Grimson was jailed for life in 2001 for the separate murders of two young men, naval seaman Nicholas Wright, 18, from Leicestershire, and former Royal Navy sailor Sion Jenkins, 20, from Newbury in Berkshire.

He has always denied any involvement in Mr Parkes’ disappearance.

Ms Parkes said a previous request for an investigation in Gibraltar was refused in 2006.

She said: “I think there is new evidence, but I am not allowed to talk about it.

“It’s been a long time coming and it’s what we’ve always wanted.

“We did not have a death certificate and this news allowed us to turn the page.”

Gibraltar Justice Minister Nigel Feetham KC said: “I confirm that I have given my consent as Minister for Justice for the inquiry to take place.

“It’s the right decision to finally provide the family with answers, and even closure, after 37 years.”

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