Tommy Robinson has conceded defeat in the European Elections and blamed social media.

Mr Robinson, who is also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, looks to have lost his bid to become an elected politician, after a campaign that saw ugly scenes at two of his events in Greater Manchester.

Speaking at the Manchester count, the former leader of the English Defence League said he had faced a "near impossible task" in attempting to win one of the eight seats available.

He claimed it was not a fair campaign as he was unable to get across his message on social media platforms.

"I am not allowed social media," he said. "I am not able to interact with the public."

(Image: © Joel Goodman)

Mr Robinson added: "But more than anything every community I have gone to - every working class estate - I have so felt loved, (more) than I have ever felt in my life."

The Labour MP for Manchester Gorton, Afzal Khan, tweeted: "Tommy Robinson defeated in the North West in the European Parliament. The North West rejected Fascism and chose #HopeNotHate."

Mr Robinson was cheered as he arrived at the count in Manchester tonight but told reporters that he'd been fighting the campaign with "one hand tied behind his back" because of "social media interference."

He also said he had run a positive campaign but had been repeatedly asked by voters “aren’t you a Nazi?”

He claimed he had not been able to defend himself on social media and that made it 'near on impossible' for him to win a seat.

(Image: © Joel Goodman)

Mr Robinson's controversial campaign culminated with a rally at Mocha Parade in Salford.

The event saw two people arrested after chaotic scenes at the end of the event.

While Robinson was speaking to a crowd of several hundred, a large group held an anti-fascist counter-demonstration.

The rally passed off peacefully but trouble began afterwards when police attempted to escort demonstrators away from Mocha Parade.

There was serious public disorder at a Tommy Robinson rally in Oldham the weekend before.

Robinson was in eighth place out of 11 candidates in Manchester, polling 2,171 votes.

Labour topped the poll in the city with 40,191 votes. The Lib Dems finished second with 21,041 votes, Greens third 19,966, the Brexit Party fourth 15,068, Conservatives fifth 3,423.