ENGLAND:Entertainer Michael Barrymore (55) was last night released by police after being questioned on suspicion of the murder of a man found dead in a swimming pool at his home six years ago.
Barrymore had not been charged, was fully co-operating with detectives and "categorically denies" the allegations, his lawyer Henri Brandman said.
The body of butcher Stuart Lubbock was found at Barrymore's home in Roydon, Essex, in March 2001. The television star was last night driven out of a police station at South Woodham Ferrers, Essex. He made no comment to waiting journalists.
"Michael has not been charged with any offence," said Mr Brandman. "He is fully co-operating with the police in their inquiries. He categorically denies the allegations . . ."
Barrymore was arrested yesterday with two other men - Justin Merritt (32) of Harlow, Essex, and Jonathan Kenny (37) of Blackpool, Lancashire.
Police said all three had been arrested on suspicion of seriously sexually assaulting and murdering 31-year-old Mr Lubbock. Postmortem tests showed he had suffered severe injuries which suggested sexual assault.