Police end four-decade probe into disappearance of Royal Navy sailor Simon Parkes
The investigation into the disappearance of a Royal Navy sailor who went missing nearly 40 years ago has been ended by the police.
Simon Parkes was serving on HMS Illustrious – which was docked in Gibraltar- when he was last seen in 1986.
The teenager failed to return from a night out with other members of the crew, and the ship returned to the UK without him.
The 18-year-old had been at the Horseshoe Bar on Main Street before telling crewmates he was going to get some food – he was never seen again.
Hampshire Police had been investigating the radio operator’s disappearance for four decades.
The case had previously been part of investigations into Allan Grimson, a former petty officer, who was jailed for life for the murder of two young men and who was serving on board the aircraft carrier at the same time as Simon Parkes.
A number of searches have been carried out in the British Overseas Territory over the years – including excavating the Town Range Car Park and digging at a cemetery - but officers are no further forward in the case.
The force has now put the investigation on file until any further information comes to light.
Detective Superintendent Adam Edwards said: "Officers have worked tirelessly to investigate the disappearance of Simon Parkes and to find answers for his devastated family.
"This information has been thoroughly explored and following a complex investigation which has included advice from the CPS, we are now drawing our enquiries to a close.
"The full circumstances surrounding Simon’s disappearance still remain unknown, however police will continue to support the ongoing coronial process."
But police are still urging anyone with information that could help them to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Adam Edward added: "That plea also goes out to anyone who lived in Gibraltar at that time or was on holiday there on December 12, 1986.
"I know it was a long time ago, but if there is anything you remember being strange or out of place please get in touch.
"As with any cold case, no case is ever closed indefinitely – if we get new information that offers new and legitimate investigative opportunities, then we will take further action.
"Any small piece of information could really help our investigation."
Allan Grimson was jailed in 2001 at for the murders of naval rating Nicholas Wright, 18, from Leicestershire, and barman Sion Jenkins from Newbury in Berkshire.
However, he has always denied being involved in the disappearance of Simon Parkes.
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