Officials said Attorney General Baroness Scotland had received a new report from detectives who investigated following the death of Stuart Lubbock seven years ago.

Mr Lubbock, 31, of Harlow, Essex, was found dead in a swimming pool after attending a party at Mr Barrymore's then home in Roydon, Essex, in March 2001.

Police investigated, but no one was charged with any offence.

An inquest into Mr Lubbock's death was held in September 2002 in Epping, Essex, and a coroner recorded an open verdict.

In June last year, after a second police inquiry, Mr Barrymore and two other men were arrested on suspicion of serious sexual assault and murder.

In September all three were freed from police bail without charge.

Mr Lubbock's father Terry, who is in his 60s, and lives in Harlow, Essex, has made repeated calls for a coroner to oversee a new inquest and examine evidence gathered during the second inquiry.

A spokesman for the Attorney General's department said Baroness Scotland had received a police report but had yet to reach any conclusion.

The Attorney General would make a recommendation to a High Court judge who would then decide whether to order a new hearing, said officials.