Police are reviewing the death of a 31-year-old man whose body was found in a swimming pool at the home of TV entertainer Michael Barrymore.

Stuart Lubbock, a butcher from Harlow, Essex, was found dead in March 2001 following a party in Roydon, Essex.

An open verdict was recorded at an inquest and no-one has been charged in connection with the death.

In a statement, Mr Barrymore, 53, said he welcomed the news and would do all he could to help police.

The move was announced on Wednesday. Police said it was standard practice to regularly review unexplained deaths.

The entertainer accepted a police caution for drug offences as a result of a lengthy police inquiry into Mr Lubbock's death.

A police spokeswoman said it was possible officers would interview Mr Barrymore and other people who were at the party at the star's home in Roydon - but added the inquiry was at an early stage.

"We have begun a routine review of the inquiry and that is at a very early stage. A team of officers will look at the file and everything that has happened since," she said.

A team from the force's Investigative Review Team, which is made up of former officers, will carry out the inquiry. An earlier re-examination of the case was completed in 2003.

In February, a former solicitor's attempt to launch a private prosecution against Mr Barrymore alleging drug misuse, disorderly behaviour and assault was blocked.

A district judge said there was insufficient evidence offered to a private hearing at a magistrates' court in Southend, Essex.

Mr Lubbock's father Terry, also of Harlow, welcomed the review and said he would continue to "fight for justice" for his son.

"There were at least eight people present on the night he died and somebody knows why he died and what happened to him," he said.

'Have the courage'

"All I want to know is the truth about what happened to my son and why he died and I would urge someone to have the courage to come forward and tell the truth."

Through his publicist Tony Cowell, Mr Barrymore said he supported the review of the investigation.

"I welcome the news that the case is to be reviewed. I have always maintained that I would do all I can to help both the police and the Lubbock family.

"I also told Terry Lubbock, when I met with him earlier this year, that I would do anything to help him bring this case to an end."