European finance chiefs have poured fresh emergency funds into Greek banks in a desperate attempt to keep them afloat after panicking savers withdrew more than £3billion this week.

The amount being offered by the European Central Bank has not been revealed, but it is believed to be around £2billion.

It is the bank's second intervention in three days, having earlier agreed to make almost £1billion available.

The lifeline came as Greek banking officials insisted they had 'no financing problems' despite withdrawals by savers, with around £1billion being taken out yesterday alone.

Greece has to pay back £1.15billion to the International Monetary Fund by June 30, but says it will be unable to meet this deadline – or its obligations to pensioners and state employers – unless it can unlock an extra £5.15billion bailout. However, the money is unlikely to be given unless the country agrees to economic reforms.