Cliff Richard sues BBC and police over sex assault claims

Singer Cliff Richard has launched legal action against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police after being investigated following sex assault allegations.

Cliff Richard sues BBC and police over sex assault claims

Singer Cliff Richard has launched legal action against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police after being investigated following sex assault allegations.

Papers have been lodged at the High Court in London.

They give little detail but show that he has sued the BBC and South Yorkshire Police.

Richard is listed as a claimant and the BBC and Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police as defendants.

The papers were filed on Thursday.

Richard was the subject of a long-running South Yorkshire Police investigation which centred on accusations dating between 1958 and 1983 made by four men.

Officers investigating allegations of historical sex offences were filmed searching his apartment in Berkshire in 2014, leading to him being publicly named as the subject of the probe.

He was never arrested or charged and his case was discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in June on the grounds of insufficient evidence.

After the investigation was brought to a close in June, Richard said he was ''thrilled''.

He added: ''I have always maintained my innocence, co-operated fully with the investigation, and cannot understand why it has taken so long to get to this point.

''Nevertheless, I am obviously thrilled that the vile accusations and the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close.''

A spokesman for Richard said: "We can confirm that Sir Cliff today issued legal proceedings at the High Court against both SYP and the BBC. It would not be appropriate to comment further."

more courts articles

DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers
UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules
Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London

More in this section

Collapsed billboard leaves three dead and 59 injured after heavy rains in Mumbai Collapsed billboard leaves three dead and 59 injured after heavy rains in Mumbai
Indonesian rescuers search through rivers and rubble after flash floods Indonesian rescuers search through rivers and rubble after flash floods
Austrian court says Fritzl can be moved from psychiatric detention to prison Austrian court says Fritzl can be moved from psychiatric detention to prison
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited