DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Stuart Lubbock – who died following a party at the home of entertainer Michael Barrymore – have arrested a 50-year-old man from Cheshire.

Mr Lubbock, 31, was found unconscious in the swimming pool of the TV presenter's property in Roydon, Essex, nearly 20 years ago.

He later died in hospital.

In a statement released this morning, Essex Police said: "Detectives have today, Wednesday 17 March, arrested a 50-year-old man in connection with the indecent assault and murder of Stuart Lubbock.

"The man, who was arrested in Cheshire, remains in custody where he continues to be questioned.

"Stuart was found unconscious in the swimming pool of a property in Roydon on March 31 2001.

"Despite attempts to save him he later died in hospital.

"The 31-year-old had been attending a party at the house with eight other people.

"A post-mortem examination found Stuart had suffered horrific anal injuries which are believed to be the result of a serious sexual assault prior to his death."

Speaking outside Essex Police headquarters in Chelmsford, Detective Superintendent Lucy Morris said: “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 over the coming days we will be contacting all those who were present at the party at the time as well as others who may have information.

“We believe someone or some people at that party know what happened.”

She added: “We have never given up on finding out exactly what happened to Stuart, and we will not stop in our pursuit of justice.

“Nine people were at that party – we know that not everyone was responsible for what happened, but someone was.”

And in a renewed appeal for further information, she added: “Now is the time to come forward.”