Cliff Richard’s Home Searched In Connection With Underage Sex Allegation

Sir Cliff Richard’s home was searched by U.K. police in connection with a sex assault allegation involving a boy. The allegation stems from an event held by Billy Graham in Sheffield in 1985.

Sky News reports that a search warrant was granted for Richard’s home after a historical claim of underage sex was made involving a boy who was, at the time, under 16.

Police officers entered the singer’s penthouse apartment in the Sunningdale area of Berkshire Thursday morning after arriving without warning. A total of eight officers participated in the search, which took five hours. Five unmarked police cars later left the home.

Police stressed that no one has been arrested and the investigation is in its “really early stages.”

CNN notes that Cliff Richard released a statement denying the underage sex allegation. He stated:

“For many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic impropriety which have been circulating online. Up until new I have chosen not to dignify the false allegations with a response, as it would just give them more oxygen.”

However, the singer changed his mind, saying the police gave him no notice of its search “except it would appear to the press.” Richard added he would cooperate fully with the inquiry, noting:

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

Sir Cliff Richard, born Harry Rodger Webb, sold more than 250 million records since his career began in the 1950s. His first No. 1 hit in the U.K. was “Living Doll” in 1959. His other hits include “Devil Woman” and “The Young Ones.”

Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt also noted that Richard wasn’t notified of the search. Brunt added, “Police say they didn’t have to break in. They were let in by, presumably, somebody who is looking after the house.”

Richard was reportedly at his home in Portugal last week. His statement added that he is not in the U.K. right now, though it didn’t say where he was at present.

Police have given few details about the allegation against Richard, though they suggest more information would be revealed if a suspect is arrested. The allegation is not part of Scotland Yard’s investigation into historical sex crimes, according to Brunt. He noted that it’s a possibility the allegation was made to Metropolitan Police, then passed on to South Yorkshire.

For his part, Sir Cliff Richard will likely continue to deny the allegation.

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