BBC defends live coverage of raid on Cliff Richard’s home

BBC director-general Tony Hall has defended the corporation’s live coverage of a police raid at Cliff Richard’s home, but expressed regret at the distress caused to the singer.

Speaking to reporters at the launch of the BBC’s annual report, Hall said the BBC would “respond in due course” to a letter received from Richard’s team.

Richard confirmed at the weekend that he planned to sue the BBC and South Yorkshire Police over live coverage of the raid at his home in August 2014.