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Cliff Richard 'not charged or arrested' after police interview

Sir Cliff Richard has been interviewed by South Yorkshire Police, his spokesman has said today. He voluntarily met with officers and was not arrested or charged.

The BBC was accused of a "cover up" over its role in the police raid on Sir Cliff Richard's flat, following an allegation of sexual assault.

Director General Tony Hall said BBC journalists "acted appropriately" in their coverage of the police raid on Cliff Richard's flat following a sexual assault allegation.

Sir Cliff has strongly denied any wrongdoing, saying an allegation of an historic sexual assault is false.

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'Journalistic procedures followed' on Sir Cliff story

The BBC has said normal journalistic practices were followed in its coverage of the search of Sir Cliff Richard's home following a complaint by South Yorkshire Police.

The broadcaster found out about a search of Sir Cliff Richard's home in relation to an alleged historical offence, and cameras and reporters were stationed outside the singer's home as police arrived on Thursday.

BBC journalists gathered outside Cliff Richard's home while searches were carried out. Credit: PA Wire

The police force accused the broadcaster of breaking its own editorial guidelines, but the BBC insisted "normal journalist practices" were followed.

"A BBC journalist approached South Yorkshire Police with information about the investigation," a BBC spokeswoman said.

"The BBC agreed to follow normal journalistic practice and not to publish a story that might jeopardise a police inquiry."

Jonathan Munro, the BBC's head of newsgathering, said the police force had not been the source of the story, tweeting: "We won't say who, but can confirm it was not South Yorks Police."

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Cliff Richard 'not charged or arrested' after police interview

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