Cliff Richard assault: Information provided after UK property search

A number of people have provided information after Cliff Richard’s UK property was searched in relation to an alleged historical s** offence, police say.

South Yorkshire Police, which carried out the search in Sunningdale on August 14, did not say what this information related to.

Police said the allegation involved a boy under 16.

Cliff Richard, 73, has said the allegation is “completely false”.

In a statement issued on August 14, the singer said: “For many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic impropriety which have been circulating online.

Cliff Richard allegedly assaulted a boy under 16 in 1985 (photo Getty Images)

“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.”

Cliff Richard said he would “co-operate fully” if the police wanted to speak to him.

It appears the allegation relates to an alleged assault at an event featuring preacher Billy Graham at Bramall Lane in Sheffield in 1985.

In a statement, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said it had not alerted the media to the search in advance.

It said: “When a media outlet contacted SYP with information about an investigation, we took the decision to work with them in order to protect the integrity of that investigation.

“Since the search took place, a number of people have contacted the police to provide information and we must acknowledge that the media played a part in that, for which we are grateful.”

In his statement, Cliff Richard said the police had searched his home “without notice, except it would appear to the press”.

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