NO FURTHER action is to be taken against six men arrested following an attempt to firebomb the Sikh temple in Belvedere.

Police say there is not enough evidence to charge the men, aged between 18 and 25, with any offence.

The incident took place on July 7 just hours after the London terror attacks.

Three priests sleeping in the temple in Mitchell Close were awoken when two lighted bottles containing diesel were dropped through a window.

They failed to set the temple ablaze because diesel does not ignite in the same way as petrol.

The attackers tried to get into the temple but were chased off by the priests and members of the public. They ran down Lower Road and sped off in a car.

Six men were arrested days later in Bexleyheath and have been on police bail since last July, pending a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service on whether or not to charge them.

Temple secretary Piara Atwal said he was surprised and very disappointed to hear the news.

He said: "I am also a little bit angry. This is the first we have heard they are not going to be charged. We have been wondering what was happening."

Mr Atwal says the temple officials had not heard anything from Bexley police since the men were first arrested.

He added: "I am concerned this incident and other similar cases where no action is taken will encourage others because they see nothing will happen to them."

Mr Atwal said temple officials would be contacting Bexley police for an explanation.