No criminal charges for Barrymore in death probe

No-one should be charged with any criminal offences following a re-investigation into the death of Stuart Lubbock, who was found dead at the entertainer Michael Barrymore’s home in 2001, Essex Crown Prosecution Service has advised.

Barrymore, 55, today faced further questioning by police following his arrest on suspicion of seriously sexually assaulting and murdering Lubbock.

Barrymore's lawyer Henri Brandman earlier said that his client has "not been charged with any offence".

The former star of 'Celebrity Big Brother' arrived at a police station in Harlow, Essex, shortly before 10.30am to face further questioning about the death of Stuart Lubbock, 31, whose body was found in the performer's swimming pool.

Barrymore was arrested - and questioned - in June before being released without charge on police bail pending further inquiry.

Police sources said the entertainer has returned to Harlow police station to answer that bail notice.

Shortly after Barrymore's arrest three months ago, Brandman said the star "categorically denied" the allegations made against him.

Mr Lubbock's body was found in a swimming pool at Barrymore's then home in Roydon, Essex, in March 2001. Mr Lubbock, who lived in Harlow, had been one of a number of guests at a party at Barrymore's home.

Post-mortem tests showed he had suffered severe internal injuries which suggested sexual assault. Ecstasy, cocaine and alcohol were found in his bloodstream.

A lengthy investigation was conducted but no one was charged with any offence in relation to Mr Lubbock's death.

Barrymore accepted a police caution for drug offences. Essex Police reopened the investigation into Mr Lubbock's death last December after reviewing their first inquiry.

In June, Barrymore was arrested with two other men - named by police sources as Justin Merritt, 32, of Harlow, and Jonathan Kenny, 37, of Blackpool, Lancashire.

Police said both were detained on suspicion of seriously sexually assaulting and murdering Mr Lubbock. Both were also released without charge pending further inquiry and are due to answer bail later on Monday.