India-born British singer's home searched over sex offence

India-born veteran British singer Sir Cliff Richard's property was today searched by police as part of an investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse against a young boy dating back to 1980s.
Sir Cliff, 73, born Harry Rodger Webb during the British Raj in Lucknow, is one of the most successful British musicians of all time.
A number of items have reportedly been removed from the property in the Sunningdale area of Berkshire for further investigation, but no arrests have been made.
A police spokesperson said the allegation involved a boy under 16 at the time and dated from the 1980s in the South Yorkshire area.

The search is not connected to Operation Yewtree, which is looking into historical claims of sexual offences by prominent media figures.
However, officers from the operation have been notified, according to a BBC report.

The actor-performer has sold 21.5 million singles -- more than any other male British artist -- and is the only performer to have had at least one UK top five album in each of the last seven decades.
Considered a life-long bachelor, Sir Cliff has represented the UK in the Eurovision song contest twice and in 2013 released the 100th album of his career.
He was knighted in 1995 and performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace in 2012.

His worldwide hits include songs like 'Congratulations' and 'Summer Holiday'.