The BBC has defended its coverage of historical sex abuse allegations against Cliff Richard after prosecutors dropped the case against the entertainer and apologised for the handling of media interest around it.

A spokesman for the corporation said it had applied “normal editorial judgements” to a story that was “covered widely by all media” and that it had continued to report the investigation as it developed, including today’s decision by the Crown Prosecution Service that there was “insufficient evidence to prosecute”.

Sir Cliff has said he is “thrilled” that he is to face no further action over what he described as “vile accusations” of sexual abuse between 1958 and 1983 by four men who came forward to police.