A bible charity has had its bank account frozen as watchdogs launch an inquiry into the sale of a synagogue.

The Shema Yisrael Charitable Trust, based in Dyke Road, Hove, is being investigated by the Charities Commission following complaints of a potential conflict of interest.

The trust, set up in 1995 to promote the teachings of the Bible, has shops in Blatchington Road and Portland Road, Hove, as well as a community centre in Dyke Road. Members also provide counselling and advice.

Head Rabbi Philip Sharp said: "There were accusations that I was mixing my private business with the charity.

"They are also investigating the sale of one of our buildings."

He said he believed the investigation was focused on the sale of a synagogue in Livingstone Road, Hove.

He said: "They have frozen our bank account. The only reason they have given us is that there's some conflict of interest.

"They are not sure whether I can be both a trustee and get paid by the charity. But they won't tell us what the accusations are and it is impossible to work out.

"We have answered all their questions honestly but they keep coming back to us."

Rabbi Sharp, 44, who runs the charity with his wife Judith, said he believed the complaints had been made by former members.

He said: "We are not Christians or orthodox Jews. We interpret the Bible differently from both.

"The biggest thing that disgruntled people was my teaching on the importance of commitment - that didn't fit in with some people's lifestyles. They were not prepared to change.

"The Bible teaches us that the man should be the head of the house - people did not agree with that."

Andrew Brown, from of the Association4Charities which is campaigning for a change in charity law, said he was concerned at the commission's intervention.

He said: "I have not seen any grounds for the commission's worries in this case. There is no suggestion that anyone in the charity is misbehaving, even accidentally."

A commission spokesman said he could not reveal details of the case.

He said: "We are investigating concerns about the charity's governance and administration. We will be publishing a report when the inquiry is completed."