UK police interview Cliff Richard after sex crime claim— spokesman

LONDON—Police interviewed Britain’s veteran singer Cliff Richard on Saturday following a historic sex crime allegation against him, his spokesman said.

CLIFF Richard. FILE PHOTO

Richard, one of the country’s top entertainers since the 1950s who is famous for hits such as “Living Doll” and “Devil Woman”, met officers voluntarily and was not arrested or charged.

The interview came after his luxury apartment in Sunningdale, Berkshire, southern England, was last week searched by police investigating the allegation which involves a boy under 16 and dates back to the 1980s.

The 73-year-old star’s spokesman said: “He co-operated fully with officers and answered the questions put to him.

“Other than restating that this allegation is completely false and that he will continue to co-operate fully with the police, it would not be appropriate for Sir Cliff to say anything further at this time.”

Richard was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1995 and is known for his clean-living, Christian lifestyle.

Police have said their investigation is in its early stages.

Richard’s fans have rallied around him, showing their support by buying copies of his 1992 single “I Still Believe in You” in a bid to get it into this week’s Top 40 list of best-selling singles.

The search of the star’s home has attracted controversy due to questions over how the BBC, which had a crew on the scene at the time, knew it was taking place.

The BBC’s director general, Tony Hall, and David Crompton, chief constable of South Yorkshire Police which led the search, have been summoned to give evidence to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee in September.

Announcing the move Friday, committee chairman Keith Vaz said it was a “serious matter” to ensure that relations between police and the media were always “ethical”.

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