Former Elmbridge resident Sir Cliff Richard will face no further action over allegations of historical sexual abuse, according to prosecutors.

The Crown Prosecution Service said today that there was “insufficient evidence to prosecute”.

Sir Cliff, who lived in St George’s Hill for more than 20 years and was given freedom of the borough, said in a statement that he was “obviously thrilled that the vile accusations and the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close”.

Sir Cliff referenced the “highly-publicised and BBC filmed raid” on his home in 2014, saying: “I have chosen not to speak publicly. Even though I was under pressure to 'speak out', other than to state my innocence, which was easy for me to do as I have never molested anyone in my life, I chose to remain silent.”

He also criticised the “high profile fumbling of my case since day one” and his name published in the press before he was interviewed, saying it was “like being hung out like ‘live bait’”.

He added: “I know the truth and in some peoples' eyes the CPS' announcement today doesn't go far enough because it doesn't expressly state that I am innocent; which of course I am.

“There lies the problem. My reputation will not be fully vindicated because the CPS' policy is to only say something general about there being 'insufficient' evidence.”

South Yorkshire Police, who led the investigation, “wholeheartedly” apologised for the “additional anxiety caused by our initial handling of the media interest in this case”.