A Margate artist has reportedly been assaulted by someone he believes to be a Ukip supporter after making remarks to Nigel Farage in Northdown Road.

Dan Thompson, 40, of Arlington House in All Saints Avenue, said: “I saw Nigel Farage, shook his hand politely and told him I am concerned with the violence and atmosphere that his presence has brought to the area. He had three bodyguards around him and walked away.

“Ten to 15 minutes later a car flying Ukip flags came down the road and the driver inside was yelling racist language out of the window.

“He started shouting abuse at my wife and I, then the car pulled up on the corner of Zion Place, he leapt out and punched me in the face.

“This proves my point exactly that without Farage here this stuff wouldn’t happen.

“When I moved here a few years ago there was no open racism but something legitimised it and it is unacceptable by any standards.”

A Kent Police spokesman said: “Kent Police received a report of an assault which allegedly took place in the Northdown Road area of Margate. Initial enquiries are ongoing.”