Sir Cliff to leave Portuguese vineyard

Sir Cliff Richard will fly to the UK “within days” to face questioning from police, leaving his Portuguese vineyard where he has been holed up since allegations of historical sex abuse emerged.

Sir Cliff Richard has strenuously denied the allegations calling them “completely false”.

Police raided the pop superstar’s home in Sunningdale, Berkshire, last week amid allegations he abused a schoolboy in the 1980s at a Christian rally fronted by preacher Billy Graham.

On Thursday, Sir Cliff issued a statement calling the allegations “completely false”.

According to The Mirror, Sir Cliff will be flying home from his Adega do Cantor winery in Portugal “within days” to face questioning from the police over the allegations.

The British pop legend has his own range of Vida Nova wines produced from vines planted on land belonging to his property, Quinta do Miradouro, which include a number of red and rosé wines, as well as a Portuguese sparkler.

According to reports, Sir Cliff, 73, had known about the accusations for “many months” before officers from South Yorkshire and Thames Valley arrived to search his home last week.

Police have said a number of people have since come forward with additional information following the raid.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “Since the search took place, a number of people have contacted the police to provide information and we must acknowledge that the media played a part in that, for which we are grateful.”

More than 10,000 messages of support have already been left on Sir Cliff’s Facebook page.