Man arrested in connection with Stuart Lubbock murder released without charge
A man arrested in March on suspicion of the indecent assault and murder of Stuart Lubbock at the home of entertainer Michael Barrymore in 2001 has been released without charge.
Essex Police said there was insufficient evidence for a "realistic chance of a successful prosecution" so the man had been released without further action.
The force's senior investigating officer DCI Stephen Jennings said the news was a "huge personal disappointment" to all of the detectives involved in the case.
"We have explored all possible lines of enquiry and sometimes, regrettably, the evidence is not yet there to issue charges. I know that this may be of little comfort to Stuart's father and his family," he said.
"At every stage, it is the Lubbock family and our search for justice for them that dominates our thoughts and our actions. We have tried our best. We will continue to try our best.
"For the last 20 years, as we have continually stated, two things have remained consistent. One is the commitment of Essex Police to deliver justice for Stuart and his father Terry.
"The second is that we believe of those present on the night Stuart died, someone at the house was responsible and someone knows what happened."
He added the force has "never given up on this case" and all they want is to "deliver justice for Mr Lubbock and his family".
Mr Lubbock was attending a party at Barrymore's luxury home in Roydon with eight other people on March 31 2001 when he died.
A post-mortem examination showed the 31-year-old had suffered severe internal injuries which suggested he had been sexually assaulted.
Alcohol, ecstasy and cocaine were found in his bloodstream.
The coroner recorded an open verdict.
Stuart Lubbock's father Terry is seriously ill.
A friend, Harry Cichy, said Terry, who has campaigned for justice for his son for years, wanted police to review the decision.
Mr Cichy told PA: "I've spoken to Terry, and he wants the police to review the decision."