The investigation into claims Sir Cliff Richard sexually assaulted a teenage boy has been critisised by friends of the pop star for taking too long.

The probe is now in its 542nd day and is set to drag on for many months more.

A police file into the historic claims Sir Cliff assaulted a 15-year-old boy has still not been sent to prosecutors more than a year after police first raided the star’s Berkshire home, reported The Sunday Mirror.

Close friend David Wigg told the paper: “I don’t believe any of these accusations. I don’t understand why this is taking so long.

“I think it’s awful for him and it’s been a tremendous strain not having any conclusion for so long.”

“He has been left shocked and strained by the allegations. In cases like this that person is damaged professionally whatever the outcome.

“It’s been a tremendous shock and strain for him. It seems like something of a witch-hunt.”

Sir Cliff is one of Elmbridge's most famous residents - living in a mansion on St George's Hill in Weybridge for more than 20 years. He has also received the freedom of the borough.