Sir Cliff Richard has denied rumours of "sexual impropriety" after police raided his home in England on Thursday (14Aug14) over allegations an underage boy was molested in the 1980s.

The Living Doll hitmaker's home in Berkshire was searched by cops probing the claim, and within an hour of news of the swoop breaking, he issued a statement denying any wrongdoing.

The singer says, "For many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic impropriety which have been circulating online. The allegations are completely false. Up until now I have chosen not to dignify the allegations with a response as it would just give them more oxygen. However, the police attended my apartment in Berkshire today without notice except, it would appear, to the press.

"I am not presently in the U.K. but it goes without saying I will co-operate fully should the police wish to speak to me. Beyond stating that today's allegation is completely false, it would not be appropriate to say anything further until the police investigation has concluded."

A spokesman for Britain's South Yorkshire Police confirmed the search relates to an investigation into an allegation of sex abuse against a boy under the age of 16.

The representative says, "Police have gained entry to a property in the Sunningdale area of Berkshire. Officers are currently searching the property. A search warrant was granted after police received an allegation of a sexual nature dating back to the 1980s involving a boy who was under the age of 16 at the time. No one has been arrested and the owner of the property was not present."