Police to question everyone present at Michael Barrymore’s house the night Stuart Lubbock was murdered
Michael Barrymore (left) and Stuart Lubbock (right). (Karwai Tang/WireImage and Essex Police)
Police intend to again question everyone present at a 2001 party at the home of Michael Barrymore that ended with the death of Stuart Lubbock.
On Wednesday (17 March), Essex police said detectives had “arrested a 50-year-old man in connection with the indecent assault and murder of Stuart Lubbock”, who was found unconscious in Barrymore’s swimming pool at his mansion in Roydon, Essex, after a party with eight other guests in March 2001.
After Lubbock was found in the pool, he was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Although his death was initially ruled an accidental drowning, the post-mortem revealed “horrific anal injuries”, indicating that he had been sexually assaulted.
On Wednesday (17 March), the 50-year-old who was arrested in connection with Lubbock’s murder and sexual assault was released on bail until 12 April, police said, “while detectives continue their enquiries”.
In a statement, detective superintendent Lucy Morris of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said that police would be “contacting all of those who were present at the party at the time as well as others who may have information”.
On Wednesday’s arrest, she said: “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 in which Stuart was found unconscious in a swimming pool, following a party at a home in Roydon.”
She said that the arrest was made “after significant new information came to light”, following the offer of a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the case.
Police insist they have ‘never given up’ on solving the murder of Stuart Lubbock
Detective superintendent Lucy Morris also said that Essex police had “never given up” on the investigation into the murder and sexual assault of Stuart Lubbock.
“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,” she said.
“It is important to re-state the fact that Essex Police has never given up on this case and that the force is motivated by the desire to deliver justice for Mr Lubbock and his family.”
Michael Barrymore and two other men were arrested in 2007 in relation to Lubbock’s death but were released without charge. Barrymore has always denied any involvement in Lubbock’s death.
In 2020, prompted by a documentary on the case, he again said: “I have had nothing to do with this whatsoever and yet I keep getting bashed and bullied by the media.” A spokesperson for Barrymore said on Wednesday that it would be inappropriate to comment following the arrest.
