South Yorkshire Police, the force that is leading the investigation, told The Guardian they would not provide a “running commentary” on the case. Thanks to a secret tip-off, later heavily criticised in an independent report, BBC TV showed live coverage of the police swoop on Sir Cliff’s £3.5million home in Sunninghill, Berks, in August past year .
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One out of the three investigations of alleged sexual abuse has now been dropped, according to a close friend of the entertainer.
The 74-year-old said he had no idea where the allegations against him come from.
There was similarly no response to the claims from Richard, who is now preparing for a UK-wide tour that will coincide with his 75th birthday. He has never been arrested or charged.
He has also been recording a new album in Nashville Tennessee. Another date has been added with a performance on London’s Royal Albert Hall, where he wraps up with a six-night run, finishing on October 18.
And more than a year after his Berkshire home was raided by detectives in a blaze of publicity, and increasing criticism over the way historic sex investigations are being handled, the police are coming under increasing pressure to bring their inquiries to a conclusion.
“I have never, in my life, assaulted anyone and I remain confident that the truth will prevail”, he said.
“Cliff is going through something very similar to me… he just has to wait until the process is over”.
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Spokesmen for the police and Sir Cliff yesterday declined to comment on the progress of the investigation.
