BREAKING Stuart Lubbock: Man Arrested In Connection With Death At Michael Barrymore's Home
Published
| Last updated
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock
Police detectives investigating the indecent assault and murder of Stuart Lubbock at the home of Michael Barrymore in 2001, have arrested a 50-year-old man in Essex.
Police confirmed the man - who has not been named - has been detained "in connection with the indecent assault and murder of Stuart Lubbock".
In a statement, Essex Police explained: "Detectives have today, Wednesday 17 March, arrested a 50-year-old man in connection with the indecent assault and murder of Stuart Lubbock.
"The man, who was arrested in Cheshire, remains in custody where he continues to be questioned.
"Stuart was found unconscious in the swimming pool of a property in Roydon on March 31 2001. Despite attempts to save him he later died in hospital. The 31-year-old had been attending a party at the house with eight other people.
"A post-mortem examination found Stuart had suffered horrific anal injuries which are believed to be the result of a serious sexual assault prior to his death."
The 31-year-old had been attending a party at entertainer Michael's Barrymore's £2million Essex home on 31st March 2001.
Tragically, he was discovered unconscious in the swimming pool, with a post-mortem examination in the aftermath showing he had been sexually assaulted and suffered horrendous injuries.
At the time, Barrymore was criticised for leaving his home soon after Stuart was found. The 68-year-old former television presenter has always denied involvement in the death.
Barrymore, his former partner Jonathan Kenny and fellow party guest Justin Merritt were arrested in 2007 on suspicion of sexual assault and murder, but were later released without charge.
"I have had nothing to do with this whatsoever and yet I keep getting bashed and bullied by the media," he said last year.
Speaking about the latest developments, Harry Clichy, a friend of the Lubbock family, said: "I'm pleased. Of course this is progress. We can only hope it leads to justice for Stuart after all these years."
Meanwhile, Stuart Lubbock's father Terry, 76, 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."