Forced marriages in some ethnic communities are not just a cultural issue that can be ignored, police in England and Wales are to be told.

New guidelines will explain that forced marriage is an infringement of human rights and may involve a number of crimes.

Officers will be told there is a vast difference between an arranged marriage, where both bride and groom consent to take part, and one where either is involved against their will.

The Home Office and the Foreign Office, in conjunction with police chiefs, plans to outline what action forces can take to help victims.

Campaigners say police have been slow to take the issue seriously, but welcome the initiative.

They believe police have often been cautious to interfere in what they see as a domestic matter of a culturally sensitive nature.

Support

Although there is no specific criminal offence of "forcing someone to marry" the guidelines detail a number of other offences that may have taken place.

In the past perpetrators, who are usually parents or family members, have been prosecuted for offences including threatening behaviour, harassment, assault, kidnap and murder.

Once the marriage has taken place sexual intercourse without consent is rape.

The guidelines say some victims may need help avoiding a force marriage, while others will need support to deal with the consequences once it has taken place.

Taken overseas

Officers are told about ways in which they can identify whether a forced wedding is planned or has taken place.

And they are told that many victims may fear that they will be taken overseas once they are married.

The extent of the problem in Britain is unclear, although around 200 to 300 cases come to light every year.