Leader of the UK Independence party Nigel Farage has turned down the challenge of fighting a duel against piqued Polish nobleman Jan Żyliński.

''I'm not intending to accept the offer,'' Farage confirmed.

''I've been trying to keep violence out of the election.''

Żyliński, who grew up in the UK, threw down the gauntlet after apparently becoming ''fed up'' with UKIP's negative attitide towards Polish immigrants.

He filmed his challenge while brandishing a sabre that belonged to his father, a distinguished cavalry officer.

Żyliński had noted that he is likewise prepared to fight a ''duel of words'' in a TV debate if Farage's sword is ''a little bit rusty,'' although no such encounter has been arranged as of yet.

UKIP is hoping to make gains in Britain's 7 May general election. However, an 11 April poll saw the party's support drop by 3 points to 11 percent, its lowest poll level since 2012. (nh)

Source: channelfournews, daily telegraph, reuters