55 held after knife siege at Sikh temple

FIFTY-five people were arrested yesterday after a gang of men wielding knives stormed a Sikh temple and staged an eight-hour protest over mixed marriages.

The siege at the Gurdwara Temple in the Warwickshire town of Leamington Spa began at 6.45am.

Police seized scores of weapons, mostly Sikh ceremonial daggers known as kirpans, but no one was injured.

Former temple treasurer Jatinder Singh Birdi said the protest was sparked by a marriage due to take place between a Sikh and non-Sikh couple.

Mr Birdi, 50, of Leamington Spa, said: “Tensions have been going on for a couple of years with some people objecting to mixed marriages taking place here.”

Superintendent David Gardner said armed police were deployed “as a precaution” and the men were arrested on suspicion of trespassing. A group called Sikh Youth Birmingham claimed responsiblity.