I just reported the facts of raid on Sir Cliff Richard home, says BBC journalist

Dan Johnson accepted that his story had “distressed” the 77-year-old Christian and singer.

But he said that distress was not “caused by me uniquely”.

Mr Johnson outlined his thoughts while giving evidence to Mr Justice Mann at a High Court trial in London on Wednesday.

A barrister representing Sir Cliff asked Mr Johnson if he was prepared to offer the singer a “personal apology in court”.

But the judge intervened and said such a line of questioning was “not helpful”.

Sir Cliff has sued the BBC over coverage of the South Yorkshire Police search in August 2014 and wants damages at the “top end” of the scale.

He says the coverage, which involved the use of a helicopter, was a “very serious invasion” of his privacy.

The BBC disputes his claims.

Bosses say coverage of the search of the apartment in Sunningdale, Berkshire, was accurate and in good faith.

Justin Rushbrooke QC, who heads Sir Cliff’s legal team, asked Mr Johnson if he accepted that his story had caused “massive damage and distress” to the singer.

“I accept that he has been upset and distressed about it,” Mr Johnson replied.

“I accept the distress he feels, I don’t accept it was caused by me uniquely.

“Obviously South Yorkshire Police were part of that and my colleagues at the BBC who were part of the story as well.

“I don’t believe I was at fault, I just reported the facts of a story.