Cilla rallies to Sir Cliff’s defence over assault claims

Cilla Black and Sir Cliff Richard. PIC: PA

Sir Cliff’s apartment was searched by officers from South Yorkshire and Thames Valley police last week as part of an investigation into the alleged sexual assault on a young boy at a religious event in 1985.

In a statement, Cilla said: “Cliff is a very close friend of mine and has been for a million years.

“I, like everyone else, was shocked to hear of these allegations and I am absolutely positive that they are without foundation.”

Cilla Black and Sir Cliff Richard

Photo: PA Wire — Cilla Black and Sir Cliff Richard Photo: PA Wire

Sir Cliff, who was in Portugal when the search took place, has firmly denied any wrongdoing.

The raid on the pop star’s Berkshire penthouse caused controversy when the BBC broke news of the search, with a film crew reportedly arriving on the scene before the police.

The corporation’s director-general Tony Hall and chief constable of South Yorkshire Police David Crompton will face a grilling by MPs over the affair, and the force’s police and crime commissioner has launched an independent review of what happened.

Mr Crompton and Lord Hall have been warned to stand ready to give evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC) after Parliament returns from recess.

Committee chairman Keith Vaz has written to both men asking a series of questions about how the BBC found out about the planned search.