Forced marriages highlighted in Midlands

Sarabjit Singh arrives in the Black Country

The highest-ranking police officer from India's Punjab region has visited the Midlands to discuss the growing problem of forced marriages.

Human rights group, FARAC, say that more than 200 people a year in the Midlands are tricked into forced marriages.

Sarabjit Singh, Director General of the Punjabi Police, arrived at Willenhall Police Station in the Black Country to discuss how his force can help young British Asians who are tricked into arranged marriages.

It is the first time West Midlands Police have hosted such a high ranking officer from India.

I hope that by raising the profile, parents will begin to think they should not do this and go about their business differently

Nashaba Hussein

Mr Singh said: "We do notice that the problem is becoming a bit difficult in this part of the world.

"We have been approached by the British police on a number of occasions where we have located the girl concerned and handed her over to where she wanted to go."

Mr Singh's visit was welcomed by FARAC spokeswoman, Nashaba Hussein.

She said: "I hope that this particular initiative can be extended to Pakistan and Bangladesh as well.

"Most girls abroad have difficulty in getting support there if they find themselves in this situation."

Extra funding

She added: "I also hope that by raising the profile, parents will begin to think they should not do this and go about their business differently.

"In reality, the parents have to pick up the pieces because the marriages are unhappy and the couples are not getting on," she added.

More government money is being made available in the West Midlands to tackle the problem.

Mrs Hussein said she wanted to see more assistance given to community groups: "The community groups are here to support young people and provide counselling and refuges.

"That is where the funding is lacking and if more funds are put into the community groups, that would be lovely."