Cliff Richard calls in Max Clifford lawyer to battle sex abuse allegations

Sir Cliff Richard met shamed publicist Max Clifford’s lawyer as he battles a claim that he sexually assaulted a young boy.

The Bachelor Boy singer had talks for four and a half hours with Ian Burton as he prepares for questioning by British police.

Sir Cliff’s £3million apartment in Sunningdale, Berks, was searched by officers from South Yorkshire and Thames Valley last Thursday.

The 73-year-old is accused of sexually assaulting a boy under 16 at a rally by US Evangelist Billy Graham at Bramall Lane in Sheffield in 1985.

Video Link: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/cliff-richard-calls-max-clifford-4072354

Sir Cliff, who was abroad when the search took place , denies any wrongdoing and is angry a BBC crew reportedly arrived before police.

He is with his closest friend, ex-Catholic priest John McElynn, on his 16-acre estate in the village of Guia in the Algarve, Portugal, where he has been since news of the probe broke.

Ian Burton has “superlative judgment” and the “ability to handle an amazing range of clients”, according to law publication Chambers and Partners UK.

Clifford, who hired Mr Burton after he was accused of indecent assaults, was jailed in May for eight years.

Mr Burton’s previous clients include former Harrods owner Mohamed al Fayed, tragic singer Amy Winehouse and jockey Kieren Fallon.

BBC Director-General Tony Hall and South Yorkshire Police chief constable David Crompton face a grilling by MPs over the search of Sir Cliff’s home.

Home Affairs Select Committee chairman Keith Vaz has written to them asking how the BBC found out about the search, and wants a reply by Friday.

The BBC said the information had not come from South Yorkshire Police but a spokesman added: "We have received the letter and will respond in due course.

"Mr Vaz understands and supports the right of the media to report matters in the public interest.

"The BBC's editorial independence is protected by our Royal Charter and is highly valued by the public.

"The BBC does not name its sources nor is it appropriate to go into detail around editorial processes."