A Watford church has suspended its founder “with immediate effect” while allegations are investigated.

The trustees of Soul Survivor Watford, in Greycaine Road, announced that it has suspended Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi as an employee today (May 20), after the Church of England began an investigation into safeguarding concerns relating to him.

In a statement, the church also apologised for its handling of the matter and added that it is “determined that lessons are learned”.

It said: “The trustees of Soul Survivor Watford have suspended Mike Pilavachi as an employee with immediate effect while the formal independent investigation conducted by the National Safeguarding Team and St Albans Diocesan Safeguarding Team continues.

“It has become clear that this more decisive action should have been made earlier and we have acted to correct this now.

“When he stepped back from ministry in April, Mike resigned from the board of Soul Survivor Watford and all related charity boards.

“We want to reiterate that we are especially aware of the responsibility we have towards those who reported their safeguarding concerns to the Church of England and of how much they are suffering.

“We regret this was not clear in our initial statement made on April 2 and are sorry for the pain caused as a result.”

The church again encouraged anyone with concerns related to the investigation to contact the National Safeguarding Team or St Albans Diocesan Safeguarding Team, adding that it recognises “it takes a lot of courage to speak up”.

“We are continuing to cooperate fully with the investigation,” the statement continued.

“We are also committed to reviewing the culture of Soul Survivor Watford and are determined that lessons are learned to ensure a strong, healthy and supportive environment for anyone who calls this church their home.”

When Mr Pilavachi first “stepped back” from all ministry, the investigation was described as being into "non-recent safeguarding concerns". At the end of April, the church confirmed “more recent allegations” had come to light since it began.

As well as Soul Survivor Watford, Mr Pilavachi also set up the Soul Survivor Christian youth festival.