Sir Cliff Richard Sex Abuse Claim: Singer is 'confident' police will clear him of all accusations

Sir Cliff Richard has said he is confident that child sex abuse allegations against him will be dropped.

The singer is accused of sexually assaulting a schoolboy at a Christian rally almost three decades ago. Police launched an investigation following claims that a teenager under the age of 16 was attacked at the event in Sheffield held by American evangelist Billy Graham in 1985.

The 74-year-old, who has vehemently denied the allegations, has now added an extra date to his forthcoming sell-out tour. Sir Cliff will be performing at the Royal Albert Hall for his 75th birthday tour in October, with concerts in Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield already sold out.

A source told the Sunday Mirror, the Bachelor Boy singer and his team are confident the allegations will be dropped before the tour kicks off in September.

"He is impatient to put this behind him and get on with his life. He knows he is innocent and just cannot understand why it is taking so long for the police to clear his name. These events have to be organised up to a year in advance and were already being planned before the enquiries began.

"Cliff has always vehemently protested his innocence. He is hoping all this will be behind him before these concerts begin," added the source.

When the allegations first surfaced, Sir Cliff issued two statements denying any wrongdoing and thanking his fans for support.

In a statement published on Facebook last September, he said: "Hi everyone, this is just a brief message to thank all of you who have shown support, including those in the Press.

"I wanted to let you know that I'm doing ok and it goes without saying that I fully intend to clear my name. Just to be absolutely clear, the allegation is completely false and I will continue to cooperate with the police should they wish to speak to me again. Once again...many thanks!"

He issued a second statement following the controversial five-hour raid on his home, which was broadcast live, on the BBC. The veteran star was at his holiday home in Portugal at the time.

He said: "For many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic impropriety which have been circulating online. The allegations are completely false.

"Up until now I have chosen not to dignify the false allegations with a response, as it would just give them more oxygen. However, the police attended my apartment in Berkshire today without notice, except it would appear to the press," he explained.

"I am not presently in the UK but it goes without saying that I will cooperate fully should the police wish to speak to me. Beyond stating that today's allegation is completely false it would not be appropriate to say."

The corporation and South Yorkshire police clashed in Parliament over how TV reporters were able to film live aerial shots of the search.

The chief constable of South Yorkshire Police David Crompton faced criticism for the handling of the raid. He responded saying that the BBC put his force in 'a very difficult position' after confronting officers with leaked information about the planned search.

Sir Cliff Richard has vowed to sue the BBC, and possibly South Yorkshire Police, for invasion of privacy.

Following the shocking revelations of Jimmy Savile's dark history of serious sexual crimes, police and the CPS have been criticised for pursuing other celebrities over sex abuse allegations despite having little hard evidence.