The Royal Navy is investigating claims about the security of the UK's nuclear deterrent made by a submariner who has since gone on the run.

Able Seaman William NcNeilly posted a lengthy document online which criticised security measures in place around the Trident submarine programme.

Mr McNeilly, who says he is an Engineering Technician Submariner who was on patrol with HMS Victorious this year, described the programme as a "disaster waiting to happen".

He claims there are fire risks and leaks on board submarines, adding that security checks are inadequate when submarines are docked at Faslane.

"My aim is to paint an overall picture of what I've seen, and to break down the false images of a perfect system that most people envisage exists," the post says.

The Royal Navy has confirmed Mr McNeilly is a member of the naval service and that it is "concerned for his whereabouts and wellbeing".

It added that many of Mr McNeilly's claims are "subjective and unsubstantiated personal views, made by a very junior sailor, with which the naval service completely disagrees".

A Royal Navy spokeswoman said: "The Royal Navy takes security and nuclear safety extremely seriously and we are fully investigating both the issue of the unauthorised release of this document and its contents.

"The naval service operates its submarine fleet under the most stringent safety regime and submarines do not go to sea unless they are completely safe to do so."
(Sky News)