Sir Cliff bids to stop court revealing private facts

Sir Cliff Richard wants to stop information he says is private and sensitive from emerging during a High Court battle with the BBC.

He has sued the BBC over coverage of a police raid, at his apartment in Sunningdale, Berkshire, in August 2014, following an allegation of sex assault.

The 77-year-old singer, who was not charged with any offence, says he suffered “profound and longlasting damage” as a result of coverage and wants damages. BBC editors have said they will “defend ourselves vigorously”.

A judge is due to oversee a trial in London in April.

Mr Justice Mann yesterday oversaw a preliminary hearing at which he analysed a dispute over whether some information should be allowed to emerge. He said it should stay under wraps now but he would review rival arguments during the trial.