A bank customer was shocked to discover his account had been frozen with his balance showing he was overdrawn by almost half a million pounds.

Paul Livermore, of Cortis Avenue, Worthing, found out his Barclays account had been suspended after he used his bank card over the Easter weekend.

The 31-year-old said he cried because he was so worried when he found out that his account stated he was £499,880.99 in debit after last having around £15 in credit in his account.

Mr Livermore, who works as a facilities assistant, told The Argus: “It is very worrying.

“I cried when I saw the figure.

“I was gobsmacked and ran upstairs to my wife and said I didn’t know what was going on.

“It is confusing and stressful.

“I haven’t been able to sleep and have been tight on money for my kids and wife.

“The fact that they haven’t even given me an explanation as to why they are holding my account.

“They said my account is now being held indefinitely.

“It really concerns me.

“I have missed payments for our car finance, tax and rent because of this.

“I have been to the food bank and they have kindly helped with electricity.”

He said he was told by the bank that he could withdraw any wages from the account after it was suspended as long as he had a pay slip as proof of earnings.

However, because he had transferred money to his savings account he was unable to withdraw the remaining funds.

Mr Livermore claims he lodged a complaint with Barclays but has not yet received an explanation.

He said he was told he should refer to the bank’s terms and conditions in relation to suspending accounts.

He was also referred to the bank’s fraud department, which he said was also unable to help him resolve the issue.

Mr Livermore said it seems his other two accounts, a savings account and a joint account he shares with his wife, have also been suspended and were showing a minus balance of nearly £500,000.

Mr Livermore said: “I would like to know what is happening and surely if they ask me some questions, I might be able to shed some light on it.

“I manage my account every day.

“I hoped they would be able to ask me to come to the branch and sort it out.

“I have an agreed overdraft on my account of £10.

“If I had gone over for any reason, then they do not allow that transaction to go through because there is not enough money in the account.”

The Argus contacted Barclays to raise Mr Livermore’s concerns after listening to a recording of his balance from when he called the bank to check it, which was recorded as being £499,880.99 in debit.

A Barclays spokesman said that the bank was currently investigating the matter.

They declined to discuss it any further.