What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

BNP leader Nick Griffin appeared to have lost his seat in the European Parliament tonight after scuffles broke out with protesters.

An angry crowd screaming, "Nazi scum" surrounded his car and dozens of police officers struggled to keep them separated from Mr Griffin and a handful of his supporters.

He had to duck placards hurled at him and dodge attackers who broke through police barriers, with officers rugby tackling some of them, before Mr Griffin was taken into the safety of the town hall.

Out of breath and breathing heavily, Mr Griffin said his reception at the town hall was "fairly typical".

Seeming to concede that he would no longer be an MEP in the North West, he tweeted from his Twitter account nickgriffinmep: "If anyone can tell me how to change my Twitter title without losing the account I'd be obliged:)"

Mr Griffin blamed Ukip, claiming they were now the protest party of choice, were not anti-immigration and were "anti-working class and going nowhere".

Scuffles broke out as he arrived at Manchester Town Hall for the Euro elections count.