PROBE BREAKTHROUGH
Michael Barrymore pool death – Man, 50, arrested for murder of Stuart Lubbock after ‘significant new info came to light’
A MAN has arrested on suspicion of the murder and indecent assault of Stuart Lubbock at Michael Barrymore's home after “significant new information came to light”, top officers say.
Cops revealed this morning a 50-year-old is being quizzed over the death of Mr Lubbock, 31, who was found unconscious in a pool in March 2001 - and all others who were at the TV star's house that night can expect a call soon.
9
9
And The Sun's decision to double a reward fund for information that leads to a conviction will "get to the truth", Mr Lubbock's dad said.
Mr Lubbock was rushed to hospital but tragically died - with his cause of death still undetermined two decades on.
But Essex Police today confirmed a man had been arrested in Cheshire over Mr Lubbock's death at Mr Barrymore's home in Roydon.
And Detective Superintendent Lucy Morris said it follows "significant" developments in the case.
She 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 she warned others who were at the party can expect a call from police.
REVELLERS TOLD: 'EXPECT A CALL'
"Over the coming days we will be contacting all those who were at the party at the time," she said.
"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."
In a statement released earlier today, cops said the arrest is linked to Mr Lubbock's "indecent assault and murder".
Entertainer Michael Barrymore was one of the UK's most popular TV presenters when the body of Mr Lubbock was found in his swimming pool.
And Mr Lubbock's father, who is terminally ill with cancer, today spoke of his relief after fighting for answers for two decades - but said: "It's nearly killed me."
Today, he 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."
He added: “I’ve always said I will continue to fight for justice until my last breath and that’s what I’m doing still.
9
9
9
9
9
“I’m extremely ill with cancer, I’ve only got weeks to live.
"But I won’t give up on Stuart until I die.”
Mr Lubbock, a factory supervisor and dad-of-two from Harlow, was just 31 when he died.
A post-mortem examination revealed he had taken a cocktail of drugs at the party including cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamine, and he also had alcohol in his system.
He also suffered severe internal injuries that suggested he was sexually assaulted.
Mr Barrymore and two other men were later arrested, but to date, no one has been charged over the death.
The entertainer, now 67, has continuously denied any wrongdoing.
He sued Essex Police, claiming a wrongful arrest cost him £2.5million in lost earnings, but Court of Appeal judges determined he should get nominal damages.
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."
Last year, Mr Barrymore said he wanted another investigation into Mr Lubbock's death by a new police force.
He told Good Morning Britain he is going through ";pain and agony".
Most read in News
He also criticised Channel 4 over a programme aired last year called Barrymore: The Body In The Pool, which he described as "vile and vicious".
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The entertainer said of the other people at his house on the night Mr Lubbock died: "I've never seen them since that day.
"I haven't got a number for them, nothing."
9
9
Topics