LONDON — British police on Thursday searched a house belonging to veteran rock star Cliff Richard in connection with sexual allegations dating back to the 1980s.

No one was arrested and Richard, 73, issued a statement denying the allegations.

South Yorkshire Police said eight officers gained entry to the house in Berkshire, west of London, after receiving an allegation of a sexual nature “involving a boy who was under the age of 16 at the time.”

Richard, who is out of the country, said in a statement: “For many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic impropriety which have been circulating online. The allegations are completely false.”

Police said they removed a number of items for further investigation after searching the house for several hours.

Richard is one of Britain’s most cherished musicians. Popular songs include “Devil Woman,” which achieved success in the U.S. in the ’70s.


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