Sir Cliff Richard accuser arrested for blackmail

A man who accused Sir Cliff Richard of sexual assault was arrested for attempting to blackmail the singer.

The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, contacted Richard’s representatives after the singer was raided in 2014 for allegedly molesting a 15-year-old boy at a Christian rally in 1985.

He allegedly said he would spread "false stories" about the 'Living Doll' crooner unless he was paid cash.

The man was arrested and questioned by police, but he was later interviewed three times by Crown prosecutors as they attempted to build a case against Richard, The Mirror reports.

No charges were brought against the man, who is believed have a history of mental illness.

A sex abuse investigation into Richard was dropped last week due to insufficient evidence.

The 75-year-old has always denied the charges.

"I have always maintained my innocence, co-operated fully with the investigation, and cannot understand why it has taken so long to get to this point," Sir Cliff wrote on Facebook.

"My reputation will not be fully vindicated because the CPS's (Crown Prosecution Service) policy is to only say something general about there being 'insufficient' evidence.

"Nevertheless, I am obviously thrilled that the vile accusations are the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close."

Richard was dubbed Britain's Elvis Presley early in his career and is the only singer to top the UK's single charts each decade for 50 years.