Stuart Lubbock: Murder arrest over death following Michael Barrymore party

Stuart Lubbock was found dead in Michael Barrymore's swimming pool in March 2001

A 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the indecent assault and murder of Stuart Lubbock at the home of Michael Barrymore.

Mr Lubbock, 31, died in hospital after being found unconscious in the TV presenter's pool in Roydon, Essex.

He had been attending a party at the home of Mr Barrymore, 68, with eight other people in March 2001.

The man, who was arrested in Cheshire, has since been released on bail, Essex Police said.

A post-mortem examination found Mr Lubbock had suffered "horrific" injuries prior to his death, police said.

Alcohol, ecstasy and cocaine were found in his bloodstream.

Det Supt Lucy Morris, Essex Police's head of major crime, said the arrest was made after "significant new information" came to light following a renewed appeal in February 2020.

"This information has led to us making an arrest and over the coming days we will be contacting all those who were present at the party at the time as well as others who may have information," she said.

"As we stated last February and have continually stated over the last 20 years, we believe someone or some people at that party know what happened."

Det Supt Morris said the investigation had been "extremely lengthy and complex", adding: "We have never given up on finding out what exactly happened to Stuart and we will not stop in our pursuit of justice for him and for his family and friends."

Mr Lubbock, a butcher from Harlow, was described by neighbours at the time of his death as a "pleasant, sociable" man.

No-one has ever been charged with any offence in relation to his death.

Stuart Lubbock's father Terry said he had been living "to get justice" for his son

Reacting to news of the arrest, Mr Lubbock's father Terry said: "There is just so much going on in my head. I can't get my head around it.

"Of course I'm happy. Of course this is good news. But it's been 20 years. This has nearly killed me."

In February, the 76-year-old from Harlow said he had only months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

"All I've been living for is to get justice for Stuart," he said.

Michael Barrymore has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing

Mr Barrymore and two other men were arrested in 2007 on suspicion of sexual assault and murder, but were later released without charge.

The TV personality, who was known for shows including Strike It Lucky, has always denied involvement in the death.

Speaking last year, he said: "I have had nothing to do with this whatsoever and yet I keep getting bashed and bullied by the media."

On Wednesday, a spokesman for Mr Barrymore said it would be inappropriate to comment following the arrest.

Mr Barrymore's Essex home became the centre of inquiries into how Mr Lubbock died

An inquest into Mr Lubbock's death, in 2002, recorded an open verdict.

Three years ago, the then-attorney general, Jeremy Wright, refused to let Terry Lubbock make a High Court application for a second inquest.

In 2009, the police watchdog published the findings of a review of the investigation into Mr Lubbock's death, concluding that officers missed crucial evidence and did not ensure vital forensic tests were completed until six years later.

Last year's police appeal coincided with the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary about Mr Lubbock's death.

Timeline: Investigation into Stuart Lubbock's death

The death of Stuart Lubbock was the subject of a Channel 4 documentary in 2020

• March 2001: Stuart Lubbock is found dead at Michael Barrymore's home

• September 2002: An inquest in Epping, Essex, records an open verdict on his death

• April 2006: Police announce they are reviewing the 31-year-old's death as part of "routine" procedure

• June 2007: Mr Barrymore and two other men are arrested and questioned on suspicion of seriously sexually assaulting and murdering Mr Lubbock. They are later released without charge

• February 2009: The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) publishes the findings of a review of the police investigation, concluding officers missed crucial evidence

• February 2020: A fresh police appeal coincides with a Channel 4 documentary

• 17 March 2021: Essex Police announces a man, 50, has been arrested in Cheshire on suspicion of Mr Lubbock's murder and indecent assault

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