Conservatives in South Thanet have launched a "Where's Nigel" website to exploit their claims that UKIP party leader Nigel Farage is not campaigning in the constituency.

But the launch today misfired when UKIP souorces said that at the very time the website went live, Mr Farage was in the constituency and had been over the weekend.

Conservative candidate Craig Mackinlay said: “It is increasingly apparent that Nigel Farage is just using local people for his own publicity. But once the media circus has left, he and the rest of UKIP will disappear off to the next thing."

Nigel Farage pulls a pint during his election campaign

"In contrast, your local Conservatives - including me as your future local MP - will still be here, fighting your corner.

"As Nigel Farage himself has said, he is too busy to give the people of South Thanet ‘the same amount of attention’ that I can devote to the job."

But UKIP said the website was a symbol of "more immaturity" from the Conservatives.

A spokesman said: "This is more immaturity from Nigel's opponents and literally at the same time as Nigel's out campaigning in South Thanet. We won't sink to their level."

Nigel Farage kicks off his election campaign in Dover

The website comes after all parties ramped up their campaign as polls suggest the battle for South Thanet is too close to call.

Labour candidate Will Scobie appealed at the wekend for supporters of other parties to consider backing him in order to keep Mr Farage out.

The website can be found at: http://whereisnigel.com/