Sir Cliff Richard questioned by detectives 'over two new alleged abuse victims'Police are hoping to make final decision on long-running inquiry by Christmas, The Telegraph understands
Sir Cliff Richard, the veteran entertainer, strongly denied an allegation of historic sex abuse Photo: Rex Features
By Tom Morgan, Special Correspondent6:55PM GMT 06 Nov 2015
Detectives have questioned Sir Cliff Richard over two new alleged abuse victims, and hope to make a final decision on the case by Christmas, The Telegraph understands.
The singer was interviewed by South Yorkshire Police earlier this week after meeting officers voluntarily for a second time in the 15-month sex-abuse inquiry.
"He co-operated fully with officers and answered the questions put to him"
Spokesman for Sir Cliff
Sir Cliff has vehemently denied claims from a first alleged victim, now in his 40s, who says he was assaulted by Sir Cliff after the singer performed alongside US evangelist Billy Graham at a concert in Sheffield in 1985.
Chief Constable David Crompton said earlier this year that the investigation into the veteran entertainer had “increased significantly in size” and involved “more than one allegation”.
Last month, Sir Cliff completed a 14-date sell-out tour across the UK and Ireland to celebrate his 75th birthday.
The force has refused to comment on the latest questioning, but a spokesman for the singer said: “Sir Cliff Richard voluntarily met with and was interviewed by members of South Yorkshire Police. He was not arrested or charged, nor has he ever been. He co-operated fully with officers and answered the questions put to him.
“Other than restating that the allegations are 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.”
A specialist team was set up to pursue the case, called Operation Kaddie, as the inquiry was widened.
In a letter to Keith Vaz, chairman of the Commons home affairs committee, Mr Crompton said the force was in regular contact with Sir Cliff’s lawyers.
But Sir Cliff’s legal team criticised the committee for publishing the letter, saying the disclosure had caused him a “further round of unnecessary and extremely damaging media coverage”.
The singer said in a statement that the claims against him were “absurd and untrue” and he had “never, in my life, assaulted anyone”.
An agreement between South Yorkshire Police and the BBC had led to the raid on the singer’s home being broadcast live worldwide. An independent report found that the deal “interfered with his privacy and may well have caused unnecessary distress.”
Former chief constable Andy Trotter said police should never have a made a deal with the BBC. Mr Crompton said an investigation had been unable to find the source of the leak to the BBC.
