SOUTHALL stood firm last night as the community rallied round to defend itself from the threat of riots and looting.
At least 400 people gathered outside the Gurdwara in Park Avenue to protect their temple, with similar scenes at mosques, mandirs and other places of worship in the area. No serious incidents have been reported so far.
The atmosphere was vigilant but peaceful as shops across Southall closed early at the request of police, following fears that the area’s jewellers would be targeted by looters. Police officers and CSOs were seen patrolling the area in groups.
Southall was also the focus of national and international attention last night, with coverage on Sky News and BBC News 24. At one stage, the area was trending worldwide on the social networking website Twitter.
Daljit Singh, 32, who sits on the Gurdwara committee said: "We received word that rioters had planned to come to Southall at 6pm. As a result, we have gathered here to defend our temple and our community."
Mr Singh said there had been some trouble outside the temple on Monday night when a handful of youths confronted Gurdwara staff before being chased off.
He said : "There was some trouble outside the temple but we took care of it. The atmosphere here right now is calm."
Former Southall councillor Manjit Singh was also the Gurdwara. He said: "Some people are scared that there will be an attack so they have come out in force.
"We feel the police are doing nothing so it is up to us to protect out community. Sikhism teaches us not to attack so all we are doing is defending ourselves."
Ranjit Dheer, deputy leader at Ealing Council, was also on the streets last night, conducting a walking tour of the area with fellow councillor and Ealing Southall MP Virendra Sharma.
Mr Dheer said: "What we are doing right now is offering reassurance to residents and making sure the area is safe. This is a confidence-building exercise."
