UKIP campaign launch descends into chaos as anti-racism protesters storm hotel venue

UKIP’s election campaign launch descended into chaos today as protesters stormed the central London hotel waving anti-racism posters.

Activists had to be pulled from the Marriott County Hall hotel by security guards after two separate groups broke in and began chanting about “Islamophobia”.

The party’s leader Paul Nuttall was due to officially launch UKIP’s manifesto but had to delay his speech due to the commotion, caught on camera and film by the assembled press.

Among the small groups was a woman wearing a hijab, leading one protester to claim that the only Muslim woman in the room had been asked to leave.

The protesters took aim at Mr Nuttall, saying he is wrong to claim that migrants are responsible for unemployment in the UK.

Their posters displayed mottos including “Migrants and refugees welcome here” and “fight against Islamophobia”.

Some of the protesters, believed to be from the Stand up to racism group, spoke to reporters and TV crews after being evicted from the launch.

Pictures from outside showed a police van after officers were called in to help deal with the protest.

The UKIP leader did take to the podium 20 minutes later to deliver his campaign speech, accusing Theresa May of “flagrant opportunism” in calling an election.

He claimed that because the Prime Minister backed the Remain campaign she will use a landslide victory to backslide on her Brexit promises.

"I believe we have to see this through to the end, we are only half way through the war" he said, arguing that UKIP MPs are required to ensure Theresa May fully delivers on Brexit.

He added that anyone hoping the party would fold after the referendum vote is going to be disappointed. Mr Nuttall went on to claim that UKIP is at its best when it is “radical” and that

He has not yet revealed which seat he will fight in the election, with an announcement due tomorrow morning.

It comes days after Ukip’s foreign affairs spokesman resigned over the party’s “vile” burka ban and predicted many more may withdraw support for Mr Nuttall.

James Carver said he strongly disagreed with the party’s “misguided” policy and that he could not support it.