Soul Survivor Watford has confirmed that more recent allegations have come to light during an ongoing investigation relating to its co-leader.

After Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi “stepped back” from all ministry, the Church of England investigation was described as being into "non-recent safeguarding concerns". However, this has been updated to remove the words “non-recent” and a further statement was read out to the church on April 30.

In the statement, senior pastor Andy Croft said: “We cannot comment on an ongoing investigation, though we can say that more recent allegations have come to light.

"We want to underline our commitment to excellence in our present safeguarding practice and culture. We’ll continue to do all that we can to meet the high standards that we are aiming for, and to ensure that Soul Survivor is a safe place for all.”

Mr Pilavachi set up the Soul Survivor Christian youth festival and the Anglican church Soul Survivor Watford, in Greycaine Road.

The Soul Survivor website also includes an update explaining why the words “non-recent” were removed.

This specified that the church was informed of the more recent allegations on April 28 and added “whilst it does not appear these recent allegations include physical contact they are no less significant because of that”.

The church also reiterated that it “strongly encourages” anyone with information to get in touch with the investigators.

People with their own safeguarding concerns can contact Jeremy Hirst from the diocese's safeguarding team at safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org or Judith Renton, Ian Bowles, and Anthony Clarke from the national safeguarding team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org.

Church members were assured “any safeguarding concerns raised will be treated with utmost sensitivity”.

The church has emphasised that Mr Pilavachi is not under criminal investigation, has not been suspended, and it is not currently a clergy disciplinary matter.

In his statement, Andy Croft added: “We want you to know that we are especially aware of how much those who have come forward have been affected and of how much they are suffering, as are all who are directly involved in this investigation.

“I want to say, on behalf of the leadership of the church, how much this grieves us.”

The investigation is being conducted independently from Soul Survivor Watford, and it is unclear when it will conclude.