A challenge to the decision not to take further action against Sir Cliff Richard over alleged sex offences has been dismissed.

In June, the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the 75-year-old singer over claims by four men relating to a period between 1958 and 1983.

This decision was challenged by two of Sir Cliff's accusers last month.

Following a review of the evidence, however, the appeal has been dismissed, the CPS announced on Tuesday.

The CPS subsequently received applications to review two of the charging decisions under the Victims’ Right to Review scheme. CPS spokesperson

In a statement, Sir Cliff said: “As I have said previously I’m innocent, so I’m obviously pleased with today’s CPS decision and the speed with which they reached it.

"I hope that it brings this matter to a close".