Cliff Richard considering legal action over televised South Yorkshire Police raid

The veteran entertainer said there 'must have been illegal collusion' behind events that culminated in South Yorkshire Police raiding his Berkshire apartment while BBC News cameras broadcast live.

The singer said he was considering taking legal action for the 'gross intrusion' into his privacy, which saw him named as part of a criminal investigation into child sex abuse allegations without ever being charged.

Sir Cliff, who maintained his innocence during a two year police probe which cost £800,000, was told last week that he is not to face charges.

Her was in Portugal in August 2014 when he learned that South Yorkshire Police had a warrant to search his home, but only discovered what he was being accused of when he saw footage of the police operation being screened live by the BBC.

South Yorkshire Police tipped off the BBC about the raid, claiming the organisation already knew about the investigation.

The force said it feared the BBC would have revealed details of the probe which could have put it at risk if a deal was not struck up.

During an appearance on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Sir Sir Cliff said: "There must have been illegal collusion. I've never known, I don't think, investigations take place with lighting and cameras and special angles for the helicopter - it just seems ridiculous.

"I feel I have every right to sue because, if nothing else, definitely for gross intrusion of my privacy."

The veteran entertainer said he felt like 'collateral damage' resulting from the wave of police investigations into high-profile sex abuse allegations sparked by the Jimmy Savile scandal.

Those under investigation for sexual crimes should not be named unless charges are brought, he told the programme.

Sir Cliff said he understood why children who make allegations are granted anonymity.

However he added: "My accusers were all men, grown-up men who were probably in their 40s and into their 50s. I don't see why they should be protected."