A UK police force has made history by giving legal protection to a man who was set to be forced into an arranged marriage.

South Yorkshire Police imposed the first ever marriage protection order on a man aged 19 after it emerged he had received threats for not complying to a marriage, to which he had promised his family he would consent when he was just five years old.

The force described the move as a 'huge step forward' in their efforts to prevent 'honour-based abuse'.

In a statement, Detective Inspector Suzanne Jackson claimed that although the force had issued numerous forced marriage protection orders for girls and women, this case was their first for a male.

South Yorkshire police have made history by protecting a male aged 19 from an arranged marriage. His three younger siblings have also been protected from the wishes of their parents

She said: 'In instances of honour-based abuse it is often assumed it only happens to girls and women, however there are also many boys and young men who are victims as well.'

Ms Jackson added: 'Understandably it can be very difficult for children and victims who often feel unable to report and potentially prosecute their parents.

'However we are determined to ensure we can protect all victims and will utilise different tactical options, such as protection orders via the Family Court, to achieve this.'

A boy who promised his family he would accept an arranged marriage when he was aged just five has been protected by police in South Yorkshire (stock image)

South Yorkshire Police said it has also obtained protection orders for the teenager's three younger siblings.

'I hope these applications send out a strong message, firstly to potential or current victims of forced marriage that we are able to assist and support you but also to those who still subject their sons and daughters to this, that we will take positive action to prevent this from happening,' Ms Jackson said.