Sir Cliff Richard has withdrawn from a charity event at Canterbury Cathedral.

The 73-year-old's home was searched last week in connection with a sex assault claim involving a boy.

The veteran singer was due to appear at Canterbury Cathedral on September 26, but his spokesman said Sir Cliff "doesn't want the event to be overshadowed by the false allegation and has therefore withdrawn".

"He is sorry for any disappointment or inconvenience caused."

Sir Cliff has strongly denied any involvement in the alleged sexual assault of a young boy in 1985.

South Yorkshire and Thames Valley Police searched his apartment last week, while the singer was away in Portugal.