Nigel Farage has requested police protection during the general election following a series of incidents on the campaign trail, it was reported.

The BBC said Ukip had lodged a formal application with the Home Office for taxpayer-funded officers to ensure its leader's safety.

Mr Farage has previously contrasted the state help given to other parties with the obligation on the eurosceptic outfit to pay for his transport and security from its own funds.

He revealed last year that a previous request had been denied.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg was afforded police protection during the 2010 campaign.

Public events featuring Mr Farage are regularly targeted by protesters - and he was recently forced to abandon a walkabout in Rotherham and last year had to be escorted by police from a pub in Edinburgh after seeking refuge from an angry crowd.

He was also hit over the head with a placard during a protest in Kent.

Neither Ukip nor the Home Office would comment on security arrangements.