Detectives investigating the indecent assault and murder of a man at the home of entertainer Michael Barrymore 20 years ago have arrested a 50-year-old man in Cheshire.
Stuart Lubbock, 31, was discovered in the TV presenter’s pool on 31 March 2001 after a party at his then home in Roydon, Essex.
Despite attempts to save him, Mr Lubbock later died in hospital.
Michael Barrymore was investigated over Stuart Lubbock’s death, and never charged with an offence
Essex Police said on Wednesday morning that the man detained, who has not been named, was taken into custody for questioning.
The force said he was arrested “in connection with the indecent assault and murder of Stuart Lubbock”.
Mr 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.”
Barrymore, now 68, was arrested in 2007 but never charged.
He then sued Essex Police, claiming a wrongful arrest cost him about £2.5 million in lost earnings, but Court of Appeal judges determined he should get nominal damages.
Terry Lubbock has described the latest development in the Essex Police investigation as ‘good news’
The entertainer was criticised for leaving his home soon after Mr Lubbock was found floating in his outdoor pool.
Butcher Mr Lubbock was at the get together with eight other people.
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.
Barrymore – who became a household name for shows such as Strike It Lucky – has always denied involvement in the death.