THE BBC has said it is “very sorry” Cliff Richard “suffered distress” after its coverage of the 2014 police raid on his home, over historical allegations of sex abuse.

    The corporation said it “reported Sir Cliff’s full denial of the allegations ... at every stage.”

    It said it “stands by the decision to report the investigation ... and the search of his property.”

    Last week prosecutors said the singer would face no charges.

    Richard told Tuesday’s Daily Mail he is considering suing the BBC.

    The singer said in the interview that the BBC “have a lot to answer for” for broadcasting the raid live on TV.

    The raid was part of an investigation into claims made by four men who alleged offences took place between 1958 and 1983.

    The Crown Prosecution Service said it had decided there was “insufficient evidence to prosecute.”

    Richard said he was “obviously thrilled that the vile accusations and the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close.”

    BBC cameras and a reporter were outside the gates to Richard’s property in Sunningdale, Berkshire when police officers arrived to search his home in August 2014. A cameraman in a helicopter also filmed it.

    In his first interview since the investigation ended, Richard said the BBC’s filming of the raid was an “unforgiveable” invasion into his privacy.(SD-Agencies)