New probe into Barrymore pool death

An inquiry will be held into the police investigation of the death of a man whose body was found in Michael Barrymore's swimming pool.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission, the UK's top police inspectorate, is looking at some aspects of the investigation after complaints from the family of the deceased, Stuart Lubbock.

Tony Bennett, solicitor for the family, said Stuart's father Terry was concerned that information Essex police gave to a coroner in 2001 was incorrect.

"They said Stuart had been seen swimming in the pool earlier in the evening," he explained. "We believe that this was not true and feel that the police should at least have made it clear that there was some doubt about it.

"Terry Lubbock has complained that there was either serious incompetence or some form of corruption. We are delighted that the IPCC is to investigate, and we will help in any way we can."

A post mortem showed Lubbock had internal injuries which could have suggested a sexual attack, but an inquest recorded an open verdict.

The IPCC confirmed an investigation would go ahead and not be carried out by Essex police.