A man accused of defrauding a church congregation out of millions of pounds has had his bail extended again.

Patrick Coppeard, 49, of Spring Grove in Loughton, was arrested in May after he handed himself in to a London police station.

A list of families who attend St John's Church in Buckhurst Hill and allegedly gave cash to Coppeared for an ‘investment scheme’ is thought to have been handed into the police.

Coppeard answered bail in January but had it extended again until April 30.

The former employee at Merrill Lynch investment bank was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation on May 10.

Up to £5 million is thought to be involved and some individuals claim to have lost £250,000.

The Guardian has made several attempts to contact Mr Coppeard.