Cliff Richard to sue the BBC and police for £1 million

Sir Cliff was left physically unwell when the allegations surfaced Credit: PA

Sir Cliff Richard is to sue the BBC and South Yorkshire Police for £1 million after a police raid on his home was shown on television.

The singer's Berkshire apartment was raided by officers in August 2014 over allegations of historic sex offences - something that was broadcast by the BBC.

Sir Cliff has now launched legal actions almost two years later, alleging there was collusion between the broadcaster and force.

While the 75-year-old was named publicly as part of the probe, he has never been arrested or charged.

The case was eventually dismissed by the Crown Prosecution Service on grounds of insufficient evidence. Both the BBC and South Yorkshire Police have since apologised to the star.

Sir Cliff described the event as a "gross intrusion" into his privacy which was a result of "illegal collusion", while the fallout damaged his reputation and left him physically unwell.

According to the Daily Mail, the £1 million claim reflects damage he suffered personally and commercially as a result of the episode.