Barrymore quizzed after pool tragedy

Michael Barrymore's home where the man was found

Police have questioned entertainer Michael Barrymore after a man drowned in a swimming pool at his home in Essex at the weekend.

The comedian was interviewed on Sunday at Harlow police station as a matter of routine about the circumstances leading to the death of Stuart Lubbock, a butcher's assistant from Harlow.

An Essex police spokesman said: "In the next 48 hours formal statements will be taken from all those who were present at the party so we can find out the exact movements of everyone on the night."

He said Mr Barrymore would probably be questioned again before the end of the month, after the results of toxicology tests.

"We know that Mr Lubbock drowned but there are many ways of drowning.

"Toxicology will tell us how he died and whether he was under the influence of any drugs."

Stress

Over the weekend Mr Barrymore has been receiving treatment for stress at the Marchwood Priory, near Southampton.

It is commonly used by celebrities battling addictions and depression.

A spokesman for the Priory said: "I can confirm that he has checked in following the events on Saturday morning. He has been treated here before.

"I can't confirm what he is being treated for, but he is under a considerable amount of stress after the last 24 hours or so."

Stuart Lubbock who died in Barrymore's pool

The comedian's agent Ann Chudleigh said: "Michael is deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy. At the moment his concern and thoughts are for the young man's family."

Mr Lubbock, 31, was discovered unconscious in the pool of Mr Barrymore's house in Roydon, near Harlow, just before 0600BST on Saturday morning.

'Pleasant and sociable'

Neighbours described him as a "pleasant, sociable" man who lived with his father, Terry and brother Kevin in a terrace house in Great Brays, near Harlow.

He is believed to have a daughter aged two, but had split from the mother of his child.

Michael Barrymore is one of Britain's best known entertainers

Mr Lubbock had been found unconscious in the swimming pool wearing only his boxer shorts.

He was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, but died two hours later despite efforts to revive him.

Taxi journey

He had arrived at the celebrity's house at about 0230BST after a night at the Millennium Club in Harlow.

Cab driver Keith Herrett said he took Barrymore and three other people back to the house from a Harlow nightclub just hours before the young man was found unconscious in the pool.

Mr Herrett, 40, an office manager with cab firm Ace Apollo, said Mr Barrymore regularly used the firm.

"He is a regular in Harlow. Basically, he goes where he wants to go.

"I have been in the post office in Roydon and seen him go behind the counter and start serving. He's just that kind of bloke."

Mr Barrymore is famous for his distinctive presenting style on hit shows including Strike It Lucky and My Kind Of People.