Michael Barrymore pool death: Police arrest man after ‘significant’ new evidence emerges 20 years on

Detectives acting on “significant new information” have arrested a 50-year-old man over the death of Stuart Lubbock, who died at the home of entertainer Michael Barrymore 20 years ago.

Essex Police said the man, who has not been named, was arrested at an address in Cheshire “in connection with the indecent assault and murder of Stuart Lubbock” by officers from its Major Crime Team.

Butcher Mr Lubbock, 31, had been attending a party at Barrymore’s luxury home in Roydon with eight other people on March 31, 2001.

Police said they would contact all of those at the party in the coming days following the arrest, and warned: “We know that not everyone was responsible for what happened, but someone was.”

Barrymore was criticised for leaving his home soon after Mr Lubbock was found floating in the outside pool.

The 68-year-old former television presenter, who became a household name for shows such as Strike It Lucky, has always denied involvement in the death.

A post-mortem examination showed Mr Lubbock had suffered severe internal injuries which suggested he had been sexually assaulted. Alcohol, ecstasy and cocaine were found in his bloodstream.

Essex Police said on Wednesday that new information leading to the arrest had come to light following a Channel 4 documentary and police appeal with an increased reward.

Detective Superintendent Lucy Morris told reporters: “The man who was arrested in Cheshire continues to be questioned by our detectives

“Following the arrest, we immediately notified the Lubbock family.

“This arrest is almost 20 years to the day since Stuart was found unconscious in a swimming pool following a party at a home in Roydon. He later died in hospital.

“The arrest comes after significant new information came to light following our renewed appeal for information and offer of an enhanced reward, which coincided with a major TV documentary broadcast 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.”

Det. Supt Morris added: “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.

“It is important to restate the fact that Essex Police have never given up on this case and that the force is motivated by the desire to deliver justice for Mr Lubbock and his family.

“Stuart’s rape and murder has been an extremely lengthy and complex investigation which has spanned over 20 years and remains ongoing.

“We have never given up on finding out exactly what happened to Stuart and we will not stop in our pursuit of justice for him and for his family and friends.”

She added: “Nine people were at that party. We know that not everyone was responsible for what happened but someone was. Now is the time to come forward, if you haven’t done so already, to set this matter to rest by providing us with any information you have.”

Essex police would not reveal if the man arrested had previously been held in connection with Mr Lubbock’s death.

Barrymore was criticised for failing to answer questions about what happened at the party at the inquest into Mr Lubbock’s death in 2002.

He also said he could not jump in and try to save Mr Lubbock because he could not swim, a claim disputed by others who knew the star.

The coroner recorded an open verdict.

Barrymore, his former partner Jonathan Kenney and fellow party guest Justin Merritt were arrested in 2007 on suspicion of sexual assault and murder, but were later released without charge.

The entertainer repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, last year saying: “I have had nothing to do with this whatsoever and yet I keep getting bashed and bullied by the media.”

Barrymore’s television career collapsed in the wake of the allegations, although he enjoyed a brief return to the spotlight during a stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006.

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.

In February last year detectives offered a £20,000 reward as they relaunched an appeal for information about the death of Mr Lubbock.

Speaking at a press conference at the time Det Ch Insp Stephen Jennings admitted “mistakes” were made in 2001 after items possibly used in the attack – including a pool thermometer and a door handle – vanished from the crime scene.

He said: “I believe that [Stuart] was raped and murdered that night. One or more of those party-goers are responsible for that serious sexual assault on Stuart Lubbock.”

Det Ch Insp Jennings said three people previously arrested, including Barrymore, had not been “completely eliminated”.

Mr Lubbock’s father: ‘This has nearly killed me’

Stuart Lubbock’s father Terry, 76, welcomed news of the new arrest, saying: “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.”

Friends of the family have expressed their hope the arrest leads to justice.

Harry Clichy said: “I’m pleased. Of course this is progress. We can only hope it leads to justice for Stuart after all these years.”