The Commission will also launch a formal enquiry into the charity. The inquiry will focus on whether the Crescent Relief’s funds, or funds raised on its behalf, were used unlawfully. It will also look at the charity’s financial policies and practices.

Following the freezing of assets, funds cannot be used by the charity without the express permission of the Charity Commission.

Kenneth Dibble, director of legal and charity services at the Commission, said: “We are working with law enforcement agencies to get to the bottom of allegations of possible terrorist abuse of Crescent Relief funds. The allegations made are very serious, and we are taking this action to protect the charity’s funds while the investigation is underway.”

Dibble said he could not say how long the investigation would take, but said the Commission planned to publish a full report of its findings once it was complete.