POLICE are beginning the huge task of scouring through hours of CCTV footage to identify the violent perpetrators from the weekend protest at a Dudley Sikh community centre.

Committee members at the Sikh Cultural Centre on Swancote Road, which is owned by the Guru Nanak Singh Sabha Gurdwara opposite in Wellington Road, are also beginning a clean-up and repair work after the demonstration on Saturday, with the building set to be closed for at least a week.

Violence erupted at around 12.45pm when 200 militant protesters complained about meat and alcohol being consumed inside the centre.

What started as a peaceful sit down protest soon escalated into disorder when a minority of protestors started throwing missiles at officers before forcing their way into the building.

Demonstrators, thought to be from the UK Sangat - a national organisation which protests against code breaking temples - were protesting against a private party being held in the community centre, as they felt the owners had insulted the Sikh faith by allowing the party to take place there.

Once access was gained to the centre, the group smashed windows and doors and caused significant damage inside before refusing to leave until the centre managers had agreed to ban the supply of food and drink on the premises.

However police have since confirmed they believed there were no meat dishes being prepared during the event, only vegetarian meals.

Officers from across the West Midlands force, including the dog squad, were called to attend the incident to restore order and assist in negotiations, which led to surrounding roads being closed for five hours, while the force helicopter hovered overhead throughout capturing the incident on camera.

The fracas left a police sergeant with concussion and a Pc with dental injuries, while two members of the public also received head injuries.

All have since been discharged from hospital after receiving further treatment.

Officers also took a coach to the centre under police escort to take the innocent centre users to safety.

Protestors ended their occupation of the building at around 6pm, before specialist forensic officers moved in to seal off the area and search for evidence.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder at the scene, but was later released on police bail bending further inquiries.

Chief Inspector Deb Doyle, who led the police response to the disorder, said: "I would urge those responsible for the violence to hand themselves in to their local police station immediately or face officers arresting them at home in the very near future."

Anyone with information should call Dudley police on 0345 113 5000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.