Sir Cliff Richard will face no charges over allegations he sexually abused four boys more than 30 years ago.

Lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) made the announcement on Thursday after a 22-month investigation brought insufficient evidence. The evangelical Christian singer said he was "obviously thrilled that the vile accusations and the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close". He will face no further charges.

In a statement, Sir Cliff said: "After almost two years under police investigation I learnt today that they have finally closed their enquiries.

"I have always maintained my innocence, cooperated fully with the investigation, and cannot understand why it has taken so long to get to this point."

The accusations relate to incidents alleged to have happened between 1953 and 1983, according to the CPS. 

However the star went on to criticise the way he was named as a suspect. The investigation was mired in controversy from the start after South Yorksire Police agreed to allow the BBC to film their raid on Sir Cliff's home in the summer of 2014 and broadcast it live.

"I was named before I was even interviewed and for me that was like being hung out like 'live bait'.

"It is obvious that such strategies simply increase the risk of attracting spurious claims, which not only tie up police resources and waste public funds, but they forever tarnish the reputations of innocent people.

"There have been numerous occasions in recent years where this has occurred, and I feel very strongly that no innocent person should be treated in this way.

"I know the truth and in some people's 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.

"How can there be evidence for something that never took place!"

In a statement South Yorkshire Police apologised "wholeheartedly for the additional anxiety caused" to Sir Cliff by their "initial handling of the media interest".

The statement added: "Non-recent allegations are, by their very nature, complex and difficult matters to investigate and can take a considerable amount of time.

"We appreciate that waiting for a conclusion will undoubtedly have caused additional distress to all those involved and we have made every effort to ensure this has been as timely as possible.

"However, it is in the interests of justice to investigate such matters thoroughly."