Barrymore home is searched a second time

Police investigating the death of a man found in Michael Barrymore's swimming pool began a fresh search of the television personality's home in Essex yesterday.

The search by forensic science officers, who are believed to be looking for traces of drugs or DNA samples, came in response to new information about events surrounding the mysterious death.

Mr Barrymore, 49, his former lover John Kenney, 31, and Justin Merritt, 26, were bailedfor two months.

The men were arrested in June after the death of Stuart Lubbock, 31, a butcher's assistant from Harlow, whose body was found floating in a swimming pool during a party at Mr Barrymore's home in Roydon on 31 March. The television star was arrested on suspicion of possession and supply of a class B drug, possession of a class A drug, and allowing the premises to be used for the taking of a class B drug.

Mr Kenney, from Blackpool, and Mr Merritt, from Harlow, were arrested on suspicion of murdering Mr Lubbock.

About 10 forensic scientists and detectives began the search yesterday and are due to continue later today.

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said: "As a result of new information received by the major investigation team investigating the death of Stuart Lubbock ... Harlow magistrates have granted Essex police a Section Eight warrant .... The purpose of the warrant is to carry out detailed forensic examinations and searches of a house in Roydon."

Earlier in the day, the three suspects attended Harlow police station and were told their bail had been extended until October. Mr Barrymore arrived at the back entrance of the police station with his solicitor, leaving an hour later. He arrived from America on Monday after treatment at a rehabilitation clinic in Arizona.

Mr Merritt and Mr Kenney arrived at the police station separately at about 10am, leaving a short time later.

Detective Superintendent Ian McNeill, who is leading the investigation, read out a statement saying: "I can tell you, after following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, all three men have had their bail extended due to new information that has come into the investigation."

A post-mortem examination showed Mr Lubbock had drowned and had suffered "serious sexual injuries" shortly before his death. Tests revealed he had been drinking and had taken cocaine.

After his appearance at the police station, Mr Barrymore was driven to his home, but was allowed inside only when accompanied by a detective. His solicitor, David Corker, said: "He's shocked and a bit upset, as you would be if you were told your house was being searched ... It's an unpleasant intrusion into his privacy and dignity, particularly as it is happening for a second time."

He added: "There's not today and there never has been any suggestion he is a suspect in any homicide inquiry. The search arises because he is the occupier of premises where the deaths of Mr Lubbock happened on 31 March."