Police searching Sir Cliff Richard's home over sex allegation
Police are searching a property belonging to Sir Cliff Richard in relation to the alleged sexual assault of a boy in the 1980s.
Officers from South Yorkshire Police are searching the property in Sunningdale, Berkshire, after receiving an allegation of a sexual nature dating back to the 1980s involving a boy who was under 16 at the time.
Nobody has been arrested and the owner was not present, the force said.
This afternoon Sir Cliff 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."
A spokeswoman 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.
The search is not connected to Scotland Yard's Operation Yewtree, launched in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.
No representative for Sir Cliff was available to comment immediately. The star is reported to be at a holiday home in Portugal.
