Around 100 police officers will surround Norwood Hall this Sunday (05) to ensure public safety at the Gurdwara elections in Southall.

The massive police presence, along with additional private security, will be deployed following the violence and in-fighting which has marked events in the past.

People will vote to decide who makes up the committee which runs the 10,000-member Gurdwara in Havelock Road - the largest outside India.

But there are fears voters could be subject to bullying tactics and intimidation by supporters from all sides.

In February this year, Manjit Singh - a Southall Broadway Councillor - was beaten by fellow Sikhs while attending the annual general meeting.

He said: "People are scared of voting next Sunday because they are fearful of being intimidated or attacked.

"This is the sort of thing that happens in a third world country, it shouldn't be happening here in London. The community is very concerned about it."

Mr Singh added that although a police dispersal zone has been set up covering the area around Park Avenue and Norwood Road, he is worried police will have no control over what goes on behind closed doors.

Sharnbir Singh Sangha, co-ordinator for the Gurdwara said there will be a "substantial number" of private security guards to prevent any form of intimidation.

He added the police officers will be placed around and inside Norwood Hall, where the election will take place between 8am and 8pm.

He added opposition members will be working alongside election supervisers on the day to ensure fair balloting.

Mr Sangha said: "We want to see free and fair elections. We have discussed the matter with police and if there are any problems we have taken steps to deal with them."

Dr Parvinder Singh Garcha, general secretary said: "It's regrettable that people are worried but the vast majority of members have always voted without fear of any sort of intimidation.

"There will be a Government-approved polling organisation handing out ballot papers and assisting with the count."

A police spokesman said: "Last month opposition members had threatened to protest to the Charity Commission against what they claimed was unfair practice by Gurdwara President Himmat Singh Sohi.

Mr Sohi has denied any wrongdoing, saying he followed correct procedure at all times.

Results of the election will be announced on Monday (October 6).