Cliff Richard fans attempt to get him to No.1 after sex offence claims

Fans of Sir Cliff Richard have launched a campaign to get him to No.1 in the charts, after police launched an investigation into historical child sex offences allegedly carried out by the star. 

Last week it was reported that a property in Sunningdale, Berkshire belonging to the singer was searched, with a number of items removed. Police said that the allegation in question is a historical offence, involving a boy under 16 and dated from the 1980s in the South Yorkshire area.

It has also been confirmed that the investigation is not related to Operation Yewtree - and Sir Cliff later issued a statement to strongly deny the claims. 

Now, The Telegraph report that to show their support for the star, fans have this week launched a campaign to get his song 'I Still Believe In You' to No.1 in the UK singles chart. 

The Facebook page Cliff Richard Radio has issued the following plea: 

"Let's fight back for Cliff. To show our support for Sir Cliff, we are trying to get him to the number one spot or as close as possible in next week's chart. To do so we have agreed to download the song 'I Still Believe In You' between Monday 18th August and Friday 22nd August."

The message was then liked hundreds of times, with fans issuing further messages of support and devition. 

Meanwhile, South Yorkshire Police are under fire for releasing info about the investigation before any charges have been made. 

Sir Cliff Richard has since issued the following statement regarding the allegations:

"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.

"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 anything further until the police investigation has concluded."

 Sir Cliff, knighted in 1995, has sold more singles than any other male British artist and has set records as the only to have one top five ealbum in each of seven decades.