A bid by entertainer Michael Barrymore for compensation from Essex Police is to be heard at a High Court trial.

The legal action is a result of being arrested and questioned about the death of a butcher whose body was found in a swimming pool at his home in Essex more than 15 years ago.

Barrymore has sued Essex Police, saying his arrest received widespread publicity and had a devastating effect on his career and earnings.

Lawyers representing Barrymore and Essex Police were at a preliminary High Court hearing in London on Wednesday.

The entertainer was not at the hearing.

A judge is expected to hear argument on how much compensation the entertainer might get at a trial in 2017.