Detectives investigating a claim of a "sexual nature" have searched a property belonging to Sir Cliff Richard.

The home in Sunningdale in Berkshire was searched after police gained a warrant.

The allegation dates back to the 1980s and involves a boy who was aged under 16 at the time. Richard said the claim was "completely false".

The claim is that the alleged abuse took place on the child in the South Yorkshire area in the 1980s, a police spokesperson said. Because of where the alleged incident took place, the investigation is being carried out by South Yorkshire police.

In a statement South Yorkshire police said: "South Yorkshire police has gained entry to a property in the Sunningdale area of Berkshire. Officers are currently searching the property.

"A search warrant was granted after police received an allegation of a sexual nature dating back to the 1980s involving a boy who was under the age of 16 at the time.

"No one has been arrested and the owner of the property was not present."

Richard 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.

The Charters Estate in Sunningdale, Berkshire, where Sir Cliff Richard has an apartment, as South Yorkshire Police said it was searching the property. Photograph: Aisling Ennis/PA

"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 co-operate 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."

The execution of the search warrant was assisted by officers from the Thames Valley force, within whose area Sunningdale falls.

South Yorkshire's inquiry is being led by Det Supt Matt Fenwick.

Police were unable to say immediately why a property belonging to Richard was being searched, whether he would be interviewed, or whether he was a witness or a suspect or uninvolved.

Richard, 73, is one of the most successful British recording artists and has enjoyed a career that has spanned several decades.

Police say the search is not connected to Operation Yewtree, established after revelations over the Jimmy Savile scandal, which is being run by the Metropolitan police.

No representative for Richard was available to comment immediately. The star is reported to be at a holiday home in Portugal.

His routine for many years has been to spend the whole of August in the Algarve before heading to New York for the US Open. As recently as 4 August he attended a charity event at his winery in Albufeira. He has a villa nearby.