Thanet Stand Up to Ukip (SUTU) who protested against Nigel Farage during the election campaign believe they were infiltrated by a "Ukip spy" called "Edward".

The group claims he attended their meetings, demonstrations and sent texts to members encouraging them to deface Ukip billboards.

The campaigners claimed their suspicions of "Edward" were confirmed after he was seen in a photo with Mr Farage's team posted on Facebook.

In a text message supplied by Thanet SUTU, “Edward” said: "Alright mate I done a bit of defacing last night at the billboards only a bit as there was quite a lot of people about also saw some more that havnt been touched next to asda in town what do you think? They mega offend Me what say you pal ??? You have some friends that might want to help?"

A Thanet SUTU spokesman said: "We were sickened to see this man who had come to our meetings, socialised with us, listened to our conversations seems all the time to have been a member of Nigel Farage's team.

"He not only spied on us, he actually urged some of our members to commit criminal damage.

"None of our members rose to his bait, but it is outrageous that he was inciting us to these actions and trying to undermine our campaign.

"We call on Nigel Farage to explain his relationship with this man and to explain what he is doing in a group shot with him."

Ukip officials could not be reached for comment.