A senior police officer attended a global spiritual leader's vibrant peace drive at a temple.

Neil Basu, Britain's counter-terrorism lead and the Metropolitan Police's most senior officer of Asian origin, visited the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury.

The event was as part of Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu festival that is a reminder of the bond of protection between a brother and sister.

The temple community has a long-standing tradition of using the festival to extend its gratitude to all protectors of society – in this case, the police – and using it as platform to promote peace and tolerance.

Joining Neil Basu was Chief Superintendent Simon Rose, the tri-borough commander of Brent, Harrow and Barnet and Brent MP Barry Gardiner, and a number of other guests and dignitaries.

During the event, both senior ranking officers were adorned with a white paagh, or turban – the highest honour that is bestowed by the Swaminarayan faith.

Mr Basu said: “If I ever need a reminder of the importance of serving the community, all I will have to do is remember this day and this visit."