Protester hits Nigel Farage with egg

UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage has been hit by an egg wielded by a protester.

The incident happened as Mr Farage arrived in Nottingham to rally support for his East Midlands candidates for the European elections.

He returned to his car, which drove off leaving supporters behind.

The man who threw the egg was holding a placard which said: "UKIP... sad, scared, old men". He was put into a patrol car by police and driven away.

The protester, who gave his name as Fred from Nottingham, said he had carried out the attack because he did not agree with UKIP's policies.

He told the BBC: "Egg-throwing is a well established form of political protest in this country. I saw the guys outside the town hall about 10 minutes ago. I went to Tesco, bought some eggs."

Nigel Farage smiles as he arrives, his attacker (right) has his armed raised ready to throw the egg

Mr Farage reacts as he realises what has happened

The man who threw the egg is led away

Nigel Farage is ushered back into his car