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Cliff Richard's lawyers accuse MPs of damaging singer

Sir Cliff Richard's lawyers have written to Home Affairs Committee chairman Keith Vaz MP accusing the committee of causing the singer "a further round of unnecessary and extremely damaging media coverage with no due process" by publishing a letter about the South Yorkshire Police sex abuse investigation earlier this week.

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Part of Sir Cliff investigation letter redacted before release

Two paragraphs of the letter sent from South Yorkshire Police's chief constable to MPs were blacked out before being released.

Two paragraphs have been redacted Credit: Parliamentary Select Committee

In what can be read, the letter says:

South Yorkshire Police detectives are in very regular contact with Sir Cliff Richard's lawyers. Typically this involves a verbal update about once a fortnight.

We have not written directly to Sir Cliff Richard. It is the responsibility of his lawyers to ensure he is fully briefed on the conversations which have taken place with investigators.

This is an investigation which has increased significantly in size since its inception. Sir Cliff Richard's lawyers are aware that there is more than one allegation.

In view of the expanding nature of the investigation, it would be premature and potentially misleading to predict a likely date when it will be concluded; however, we are progressing as swiftly as possible.

– David Crompton, chief constable, South Yorkshire Police

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