The chief constable of West Midlands Police yesterday spoke of the force's role policing a Sikh demonstration outside its headquarters which he described as a "very difficult episode".
As part of a report made to the West Midlands Police Authority yesterday, Sir Paul Scott-Lee said a police presence was necessary at the demonstration which was sparked by claims that a Sikh woman had been forced to convert to Islam.
The teenage student, thought to attend Sutton Coldfield College, was placed under police protection after an armed gang smashed their way into a house in Erdington in May and threatened the occupants, apparently in search of her.
Concerns had been raised by members of the community that she had been held against her will.
At the time, the police confirmed the teenager had been placed in protection and was safe and well. It has since been claimed that she converted by choice.
The chief constable said Operation Resemble, the name given to the policing of the planned march from Soho Road to Lloyd House earlier this month, was set up to ensure it passed peacefully.
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