Hundreds of members of the Luton Sikh community are protesting outside local police station amid claims police were failing to properly investigate a sex attack on a young woman.
Police said they were negotiating with the protesters staging the “sit down” protest outside the Buxton Road police station.
It comes after a young Sikh woman, who has not been identified, was reportedly beaten and sexually assaulted in the Bedfordshire town by a "Muslim man".
On Wednesday night, Bedfordshire Police confirmed they were “in talks” with the protesters to try and “resolve the situation” amid fears of rising tensions.
Reports suggested that more than 300 locals were involved in the protest because of “lack of action” from police over Monday’s attack.
There were reports that members of the English Defence League were also among the crowd.
Locals reported that the “community … feels the police could do more with regards to the investigation and current situation”.
Concerns were also raised that police were set to release the accused sex attacker amid fears it fuel rising tensions.
Detectives have arrested a man, who has not been identified, in connection with the attack.
On Tuesday night a Bedfordshire police spokesman said: “Police in Luton are currently in talks with members of the Sikh community who are holding a sit down protest outside the Buxton Road police station this evening (Tues May 29).
“Their concerns follow a report that a young woman from their community was sexually assaulted yesterday (Mon May 28).
“The allegation is currently subject of an investigation and all parties involved are being spoken with to establish the facts.”
She added: “One man has been arrested in connection with the allegation and enquiries continue.
“Police are working to resolve the situation this evening with the community leaders.”
Police declined to comment further or disclose the nationality of the arrested man.
UPDATE -31 MAY, 2012 BBC News
Luton Sikh-Muslim protest: 'Positive' police meeting
A "constructive" and "positive" meeting has been held between police and the Sikh and Muslim communities following a protest at a Luton police station.
The groups held talks on Wednesday after hundreds of Sikhs gathered at Buxton Road on Tuesday night.
The protest was over allegations a Muslim man had assaulted a Sikh woman.
Police said officers were working with the two groups and wanted any concern about criminal activity to be reported.
'Cultural sensitivities'
Speaking after the meeting, Sikh representative Jaswinder Singh Nagra said: "I think it was very constructive.
"We need to educate the police about our cultural sensitivities."
His thoughts were echoed by Qazi Abdul Aziz Chishti, president of the Sunni Mosque Council in Luton, who was also at the meeting.
"We will work together not only on this issue, but on all issues," he told the BBC.
"We have formed a working group with the Sikh community."
Bedfordshire Police Ch Supt Mike Colbourne said: "We want the public to report any issues, fears or concerns that they have."