Sir Cliff Richard's home being searched over alleged historic sexual offences

[-:Undertaker:-]

Sir Cliff Richard's home being searched over alleged historic sexual offences

One of Sir Cliff Richard's homes is being searched by South Yorkshire Police who are investigating allegations of sexual abuse of a boy under the age of 16

Sir Cliff Richard

The 73-year-old entertainer issued a statement insisting the allegations were false and pledging to cooperate fully with the police.

He issued the robust denial after detectives from South Yorkshire police using a search warrant, entered his luxury apartment on a private estate in Sunningdale, Berkshire as part of an investigation into an allegation involving a young boy dating back to the 1980s.

The inquiry is not part of the Operation Yewtree investigation which was launched by the Metropolitan Police in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: "South Yorkshire Police has gained entry to a property in the Sunningdale area of Berkshire. Officers are currently searching the property.

"A search warrant was granted after police received an allegation of a sexual nature dating back to the 1980s involving a boy who was under the age of 16 at the time.

"No one has been arrested and the owner of the property was not present."

Thames Valley Police confirmed that it had helped the South Yorkshire force with the execution of a search warrant at the address in Sunningdale, Berkshire.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm that Thames Valley Police has today assisted South Yorkshire Police with the execution of a search warrant at an address in Sunningdale, Berkshire."

But in a statement, Sir Cliff, who is currently at his home on the Algarve in Portugal, said any allegations against him were "completely false".

He said: "For many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic impropriety which have been circulating online. The allegations are completely false.

"Up until now I have chosen not to dignify the false allegations with a response, as it would just give them more oxygen.

"However, the police attended my apartment in Berkshire today without notice, except it would appear to the press.

"I am not presently in the UK but it goes without saying that I will co-operate fully should the police wish to speak to me.

"Beyond stating that today's allegation is completely false it would not be appropriate to say anything further until the police investigation has concluded."

As well as his homes in Berkshire and Portugal, Sir Cliff also has a £6 million property in Barbados.

Earlier this month he performed at a charity fundraising concert on the Algarve and in June he made his usual appearance at the Wimbledon tennis championships.

With a career spanning more than six decades, Sir Cliff, who is a deeply committed Christian has sold more than 250 million records worldwide.

He was knighted in 1995, also for services to music and charity, and sang at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace in 2012.

In 1996, he addressed rumours about his sexuality when he insisted: "I'm aware of the rumours, but I'm not gay."

Sir Cliff has owned an exclusive apartment on a private estate in Sunningdale in Berkshire since March 2008.

[sex]

he always seemed like one to me

[e5]

True or not true, he should not be in the news just for being a suspect, innocent until proven guilty >: (

[Matt]

The media seems to have gone quiet for now, they should only be creating a hype if he's proven guilty, in my opinion.

[Mark]

It does seem a bit strange that he's never had a serious relationship? However each to their own! I also agree that the media should be forbidden to report about such cases until it's all been proven he did what he's being accused of. Stories like these ruin careers!

[Barkseh]

I totally agree. He will always be branded as a paedo now, guilty or not.

True or not true, he should not be in the news just for being a suspect, innocent until proven guilty >: (

[-:Undertaker:-]

Secret trials and secret courts should be avoided at all costs, beware what you wish for.

[AgnesIO]

Wrong that they publish it just because his home is searched; media witch-hunt for sure. Also arguably illegal, given that the media were told about the search beforehand which they aren't allowed to do..

Having said that, I'm guessing the police have had multiple people come forward suggesting a similar story..

[GommeInc]

The thing is - this is over one person while other celebrities had countless victims of whom only a few were found to be true and therefore a conviction was made. What's shocking is how the BBC found out about this and knew of the raid on his apartment. If and when he's found innocent, the BBC will have a lot to answer for.

In my opinion, I think he's being targetted by someone who sees him as an easy target. It's gone eerily quiet, too. Also, he's responded to questioning quite well too.