BBC footage of Sir Cliff Richard raid was ‘intrusive’, says ex-police chief

The former chief constable of South Yorkshire Police thought BBC footage of the force’s raid on Sir Cliff Richard’s home was “intrusive” when he watched it while on holiday in Wales.

David Crompton, who was head of the force at the time of the search, said he “became very concerned” because the television coverage was “something more” than he expected to see. In a statement to the High Court, he said: “I had thought that there may be some limited footage of my officers going into Sir Cliff Richard’s property. What I saw was much more extensive and I thought it was intrusive.”

The 77-year-old entertainer is claiming “substantial” damages against the BBC for what he says was a “very serious invasion” of his privacy when the raid on his home was broadcast in 2014.

The coverage included footage taken from a helicopter flown above the singer’s home on a private estate in Sunningdale, Berkshire.

The BBC contends there was a “legitimate public interest” in its coverage and is vigorously defending the case.

Mr Crompton said he first became aware South Yorkshire Police would be investigating Sir Cliff in the summer of 2014 and was later told BBC reporter Dan Johnson was aware of the investigation.

The hearing continues.