I Cannot Believe This
Posted: 14 Aug 2014, 13:56http://news.sky.com/story/1318591/cliff ... -sex-claim
Police are searching Sir Cliff Richard's home in connection with an alleged sex offence dating back to the 1980s - which the singer has dismissed as "completely false".
South Yorkshire Police officers have gained entry to the star's property in the Sunningdale area of Berkshire.
A search warrant was granted after a historical allegation of a sexual nature was made 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, the force said.
Speaking out as officers continued to search his home, 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."
Sky's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said officers have removed several items from the singer's house.
"He was last seen a week ago in Portugal, where he held a concert at his wine estate," he said.
"He owns a vast property there with a vineyard where he produces wine. He also has a home in Barbados.
"He has said in the past that he spends the summers in Portugal and the winters in Barbados.
"But South Yorkshire police underlining that nobody has been arrested and the owner of the property was not present while the search was carried out.
"It is thought a number of items were removed from the property.
"One other thing to point out is that this isn't part of Scotland Yard's investigation into historic sex crimes - Operation Yewtree - launched in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.
"Whether the initial allegation was made to the Metropolitan Police and passed on to South Yorkshire, that's a possibility. But this is very much a South Yorkshire Police investigation," he added.
More follows...
Police are searching Sir Cliff Richard's home in connection with an alleged sex offence dating back to the 1980s - which the singer has dismissed as "completely false".
South Yorkshire Police officers have gained entry to the star's property in the Sunningdale area of Berkshire.
A search warrant was granted after a historical allegation of a sexual nature was made 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, the force said.
Speaking out as officers continued to search his home, 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."
Sky's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said officers have removed several items from the singer's house.
"He was last seen a week ago in Portugal, where he held a concert at his wine estate," he said.
"He owns a vast property there with a vineyard where he produces wine. He also has a home in Barbados.
"He has said in the past that he spends the summers in Portugal and the winters in Barbados.
"But South Yorkshire police underlining that nobody has been arrested and the owner of the property was not present while the search was carried out.
"It is thought a number of items were removed from the property.
"One other thing to point out is that this isn't part of Scotland Yard's investigation into historic sex crimes - Operation Yewtree - launched in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.
"Whether the initial allegation was made to the Metropolitan Police and passed on to South Yorkshire, that's a possibility. But this is very much a South Yorkshire Police investigation," he added.
More follows...