Luton Sikh protest over alleged assault

Community leaders in Luton are calling for calm, following protests against the way police handled allegations of an assault on a young Sikh woman.

Hundreds of people gathered outside a police station last night to voice their concerns. A 19 year old man has appeared in court, charged with common assault.

A meeting's being held this evening between members of the Sikh and Muslim communities, to try and diffuse growing tensions

A man has been charged in connection with an alleged assault in Luton that resulted in protests by members of the Sikh community.

About 250 people began a sit-down demonstration outside the police station on Buxton Road at about 9pm on Tuesday 29th May.

That followed a meeting at the Gurdwara in Dallow Road earlier in the evening where members of the Sikh community met with police officers to voice their concerns after the alleged assault.

Anan Majid Basharat, 19, from Luton has been charged with common assault and will be appearing at Luton Magistrates Court.

(PICTURES: YOUTUBE)

Members of the Sikh community have been protesting outside a police station in Luton following allegations that a young woman was assaulted on Monday.

Hundreds of demonstrators congregated outside Buxton Road police station last night to air their concerns.

A number of officers attended and tried to resolve the situation with community leaders. One man has been arrested in connection with the allegations.

A police spokesman said: "Police in Luton are currently in talks with members of the Sikh community who are holding a sit-down protest outside Buxton Road police station.

"Their concerns follow a report that a young woman from their community was assaulted on Monday.

"The allegations are currently subject of an investigation and all parties involved are being spoken with to establish the facts.

"One man had been arrested in connection with the allegation and inquiries continue."