Detectives yesterday said they were reviewing the death of a butcher whose body was found in a swimming pool at the home of television entertainer Michael Barrymore.

Barrymore last night welcomed the news and vowed to "do all I can" to help police find out how Stuart Lubbock died.

The 31-year-old was discovered floating in the pool after a party at the entertainer's house near Harlow, Essex in March 2001.

Doctors said he had suffered severe internal injuries that suggested he had been sexually assaulted, and alcohol, ecstasy and cocaine were found in his bloodstream.

A lengthy investigation was carried out by Essex Police, but although Barrymore accepted an official caution for drugs offences, no one was charged in relation to the tragedy. A coroner recorded an open verdict in September 2002.

A spokeswoman for Essex police said inquiries were regularly revisited and the review was "routine".

She said: "A team of officers will look at the file and everything that has happened since. It is possible that people will be interviewed again but no decisions have been made."

Mr Lubbock's father Terry said the review was "good news".

"I've never blamed Michael Barrymore for my son's death. I'm happy to assume that he had no physical part in it. What I'm angry with Michael Barrymore for is that he hasn't told everything he knows. I'm sure of that."

He added: "This will never go away for him. It will always be on his mind."

In February, the family failed in an attempt to bring a private prosecution against Barrymore for allegations of drug misuse, disorderly behaviour and assault.

A district judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to launch the case during a private hearing in Southend, Essex.

In a statement last night, 53-year-old Barrymore, who moved to New Zealand in 2003, said he "welcomed" the news that the case was to be reviewed, adding that he would "do all I can to help both the police and the Lubbock family".