By Ben Kerrigan-
A 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the indecent assault and murder of Stuart Lubbock at the home of Michael Barrymore.
The man was arrested in Cheshire and is being questioned over the murder of Mr Lubbock in 2001.
Mr Lubbock had been attending a party at the home of Mr Barrymore, 68, with eight other people when calamity befell him.
A post-mortem examination found Mr Lubbock had suffered “horrific” injuries prior to his death. Alcohol, ecstasy and cocaine were also found in his bloodstream.
An inquest into Mr Lubbock’s death, in 2002, recorded an open verdict.
Essex Police Detective Superintendent Lucy Morris said on Wednesday new information came to light following a Channel 4 documentary and police appeal with an increased reward.
She told reporters: “The man who was arrested in Cheshire continues to be questioned by our detectives
“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.”
Reacting to news of the arrest, Mr Lubbock’s father Terry 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.”
In February, the 76-year-old from Harlow said he had only months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
“All I’ve been living for is to get justice for Stuart,” he said.
Speaking last year, he said: “I have had nothing to do with this whatsoever and yet I keep getting bashed and bullied by the media.”
Three years ago, the then-attorney general, Jeremy Wright, refused to let Terry Lubbock make a High Court application for a second inquest.
In 2009, the police watchdog published the findings of a review of the investigation into Mr Lubbock’s death, concluding that officers missed crucial evidence and did not ensure vital forensic tests were completed until six years later.