A Hindu community evicted from their temple have taken refuge in a small community hall as they search for new premises.

Worshippers at the Sivayogam temple in Tooting have set up home on Elmwood Road, Croydon, after a dispute with previous landlords Barrowfen Properties Ltd, saw the group dramatically evicted in May.

Bailiffs were sent to the temple and seized items including gem encrusted statues following a protracted legal dispute where Barrowfen claimed four years of rent arrears is owed.

The Hindu charity deny the claims and is seeking legal action against Barrowfen claiming it misled the High Court in securing the eviction.

Founder and spiritual leader of the temple Nagendram Seevaratnam, 74, said: "We have got a six month lease here while we try to raise money to buy a new property in the South Wimbledon area. It is good we have somewhere, but many devotees are afraid to come here. We have been here a week so hopefully things will get better."

The charity have predicted its new home will cost £1.8m but through donations, and a £1m bank loan, need just £126,230 to put in a bid.

Mr Seevaratnam said: "We are in the process of putting together a planning application to be allowed to convert the new place into a temple. The timing is going to be tight but we have had such support the money should not be difficult to find."