BRITAIN:The body that investigates the conduct of Britain's police is to look into detectives' handling of an inquiry into the death of a man whose body was found in a swimming pool at the home of entertainer Michael Barrymore.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission said yesterday that it had decided to investigate aspects of the inquiry after receiving complaints from the family of the dead man, Stuart Lubbock.
Tony Bennett, the Lubbock family solicitor, said serious allegations had been made about Essex officers and he welcomed the IPCC investigation.
He said police had made a "catalogue of errors" and complaints centred on "inaccurate" information which police had given to a coroner and pathologists during a meeting.
The IPCC said an officer from another force would conduct the investigation under the direction of commission officials. A spokeswoman said the terms of reference had yet to be set.
Essex police did not wish to comment on the allegations but said officers would co-operate fully with the IPCC.
Barrymore could not be reached for comment.
Mr Lubbock (31), from Harlow, Essex, was found dead at Barrymore's home in nearby Roydon in March 2001. He had been among a number of people at a party at the house.
Post-mortem tests showed that he had suffered severe internal injuries which suggested sexual assault. Alcohol plus ecstasy and cocaine were found in his bloodstream. A lengthy investigation was carried out by Essex Police but no one was charged with any offence in relation to the death.
A coroner recorded an open verdict following an inquest in September 2002.
In December, Essex police began a new inquiry into Mr Lubbock's death. Detectives said their decision to reinvestigate followed a review of the initial inquiry. In February 2006, the Lubbock family failed in an attempt to begin a private prosecution against Barrymore. - (PA)