Sir Cliff Richard has been cleared of sex assault allegations after the Crown Prosecution Service announced it would bring no charges following a two-year police inquiry.

The 75-year-old singer will face no further action following the controversial South Yorkshire Police investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse.

Prosecutors announced on Thursday morning that there was "insufficient evidence to prosecute" the veteran entertainer after the police investigation that cost an estimated £800,000.

Sir Cliff said he is "obviously thrilled that the vile accusations" have been brought to a close" as he used his statement to say he had been "hung out like live bait" and called for those who are facing allegations to "never be named publicly until charged".

South Yorkshire Police apologised "wholeheartedly for the additional anxiety caused" to Sir Cliff by the force's "initial handling of the media interest" in its investigation into the singer, when the BBC was tipped off about a raid on his home and broadcast it live.