Michael Barrymore arrested on suspicion of murder

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Three men have been arrested by police investigating the death of Stuart Lubbock at the house of former TV star Michael Barrymore in 2001.

The Daily Mail reports that Mr Barrymore is one of men being held by police. Two other men, aged 32 and 37, have also been arrested.

The Essex Police Investigative Review Team, comprising of retired officers, has been carrying out a review of the case.

Mr Lubbock’s suspicious death ruined the career of Barrymore, who came out as a gay man in 1995.

In March the Independent Police Complaints Commission announced it will examine the police inquiry into the death of Mr Lubbock.

The 31-year-old butcher was pronounced dead in hospital the morning after a party at Mr Barrymore’s home in March 2001.

During the inquest that followed, an open verdict was reached and to date no-one has been charged in connection with Mr Lubbock’s death.

In 2006, a former solicitor attempted to initiate a private prosecution against Mr Barrymore alleging drug misuse, disorderly behaviour and assault but the attempt was blocked. The district judge said that there was a lack of evidence to proceed.

Mr Lubbock’s father Terry said:

“There were at least eight people present on the night he died and somebody knows why he died and what happened to him.

“All I want to know is the truth about what happened to my son and why he died and I would urge someone to have the courage to come forward and tell the truth.”

In a statement in 2006, Mr Barrymore said: !I welcome the news that the case is to be reviewed. I have always maintained that I would do all I can to help both the police and the Lubbock family.

“I also told Terry Lubbock, when I met with him earlier this year, that I would do anything to help him bring this case to an end.”

Mr Barrymore was previously issued with a police caution for drugs offences by officers conducting the initial investigation into Mr Lubbock’s death.

The former Strike It Lucky presenter insists it was a tragic accident where Lubbock drowned in his pool.

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