Nigel Farage has lashed out at 'radicalised Remainers' after a picture was posted on social media of him in gun sights.

The Brexit Party leader roundly condemned the tweet, apparently from pro-EU activist and former Lib Dem council candidate Richard Hall, which asked people whether they would 'squeeze the trigger'.

The message was liked and retweeted widely, but has since been removed by Twitter as potentially in violation of its usage policies.

The spat comes amid mounting concern at the aggressive treatment of politicians on all sides of the Brexit debate.

Many complain that they receive regular abuse including death threats, and there have been calls for tougher punishments.

The tweet, apparently from Remainer activist Richard Hall, asked people whether they would 'squeeze the trigger' on Nigel Farage

A clearly infuriated Mr Farage (pictured last month) said there would be an 'outcry' if the tweet had been directed at Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson, whose party used to support Richard Hall (right)

A clearly infuriated Mr Farage said: 'Imagine the outcry if a Brexit Party candidate posted a picture like this of Jo Swinson?

'Remainers have been radicalised by politicians who refuse to accept a democratic vote.'

The tweet depicted Mr Farage in the crosshairs of a gun sight, with the message: 'As a patriot, do you squeeze the trigger?'

Mr Hall's biography describes him as a 'grumpy old Leftie' who is 'not prepared to forgive #Brexitjihadis'. He labels himself 'Team Tusk', a reference to the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk.

An entry on his linked personal website dated October last year claimed he was involved in the campaign for a People's Vote.

'Brexit is the greatest crisis to face this country since World War II,' the post said.

It added that No Deal would be 'simply the end of Britain as a first world country'.

Mr Hall was listed as a Lib Dem candidate in Reading in 2006 local council elections.

The Brexit Party leader roundly condemned the tweet as an example of 'radicalised Remainers'

MailOnline has contacted Mr Hall by email for a response. Twitter and the Lib Dems have also been asked to comment.

Alarm has been mounting over abuse of politicians on social media, and the potential dangers they face.

Women MPs have reported regular threats of being killed and raped, with security for MPs dramatically stepped up since Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered in her Batley & Spen constituency three years ago.

Mr Farage, who has previously needed bodyguards amid concern for his safety, was assaulted by a Remain activist with a milkshake earlier this summer.