Sir Cliff Richard has
been interviewed under caution in connection with an alleged historical
sexual offence, South Yorkshire Police has said.
Sir Cliff met officers by appointment and was not arrested or charged.
It comes after police searched his home in Sunningdale, Berkshire, on 14 August as part of their investigation.
The veteran pop star denies the alleged offence, saying the
claim of an assault at a religious event in Sheffield in 1985 is
"completely false".
South Yorkshire Police confirmed it had spoken to a 73-year-old man.
A police spokesman said: "The man was interviewed under
caution but was not arrested. He entered South Yorkshire Police premises
by arrangement."
A spokesman for Sir Cliff said: "Today Sir Cliff Richard
voluntarily met with and was interviewed by members of South Yorkshire
Police. He was not arrested or charged.
"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."
Story source
The BBC has been criticised for its coverage of the search
after it found out about the operation in advance and sent cameras to
Sir Cliff's home when officers arrived.
The BBC has previously confirmed that its source relating to the police investigation was not the South Yorkshire force.
The BBC says its journalists "acted appropriately" in its
coverage but police have accused the corporation of a "cover-up"
afterwards over what it had known.
The bosses of both the BBC and the South Yorkshire Police
have been summoned to appear before the Home Affairs Select Committee to
explain how the broadcaster knew of the search in advance.
The allegation against Sir Cliff relates to an assault claim
at an event featuring US preacher Billy Graham at the Bramall Lane
stadium in Sheffield in 1985, the BBC understands.