Sikh community leaders have accused police of over-reacting to a peaceful demonstration after 55 protesters were arrested at a temple and armed officers attended.

The Sikh Federation UK (SFUK) urged Warwickshire Police to apologise for its "disproportionate" response to reports that a group carrying blades and wearing masks had forced their way into Leamington Gurdwara.

After being called to the Gurdwara Temple shortly after 6.45am on Sunday morning, Warwickshire Police sent armed officers as they believed the 55 men were carrying "bladed items".

After several hours police arrested 55 men on suspicion of aggravated trespass, seized ceremonial blades, and one non-ceremonial weapon.

In a statement the SFUK said the men had walked into the Gurdwara to protest against an interfaith marriage being carried out as a Sikh religious ceremony.

Warwickshire Police said that they "responded accordingly" after reports that the men were "carrying a range of bladed items, some of which were initially described as not being for ceremonial use".

Secretary general of the Sikh Council UK, Gurmail Singh, said that the protest had occurred because the marriage ceremony was reserved for two Sikhs, but an interfaith marriage had been carried out.