Royal Navy officer in charge of sub's nuclear weapons sent back to UK for 'clocking on after night of drinking'

A Royal Navy officer who allegedly turned up to work after a night of drinking has been sent back to the UK from a submarine in the US.

Lieutenant Commander Len Louw was declared unfit for duty when he arrived at HMS Vigilant to take charge of nuclear missiles last month.

It is understood he had been drinking the night before and was carrying a bag of leftover barbecue grilled chicken for his lunch.

His colleagues raised concerns before he began his duties on the vessel, which was docked at the US navy's Kings Bay base in Camden County, Georgia for maintenance.

The weapons engineering officer is facing an investigation after he was sent back to Faslane in Scotland.

Lieutenant Commander Louw was responsible for all weapons and sensors on the vessel.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: "An investigation is under way therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.

"However, where an individual's conduct falls short of the high standards we expect, we won't hesitate to take the appropriate action.

"While we don't comment on the detail, there are numerous safety checks and processes to protect the safety and use of weapons aboard all submarines."

HMS Vigilant is one of the four submarines which make up the UK's nuclear deterrent.