A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of common assault after Nigel Farage was doused in a milkshake while on a campaign walkabout in Newcastle.
The Brexit Party leader became the latest victim of a protest which has seen other European election candidates such as Ukip's Carl Benjamin and ex-English Defence League leader Stephen Lennon-Yaxley, aka Tommy Robinson, suffer similar attacks.
NIGEL FARAGE HAS BEEN MILKSHAKED! pic.twitter.com/j6WpONmG1v
— Angry Scotland Podcast 🎙 (@AngryScotland) May 20, 2019
The Brexit Party leader was heard to comment "complete failure" and "I could have spotted that a mile off" as he was ushered away by security following the incident in Newcastle city centre.
One of his team was heard to say "sorry" as Farage was walked to his taxi and then driven away from the event.
Farage has since made a statement to Northumbria Police and told them that he will press charges for assault, according to the Telegraph.
The thrower was dragged away by a Police Community Support Officer and was later seen in handcuffs.
Paul Crowther, 32, from Throckley, Newcastle, said it was a £5.25 Five Guys banana and salted caramel milkshake.
He said: "I didn't know he was in town, I thought this is my only chance."
Crowther said he saw there was a Brexit Party event in the city centre, thought it was an MEP and then saw Farage.
He explained: "It's a right of protest against people like him.
"The bile and the racism he spouts out in this country is far more damaging than a bit of milkshake to his front."
Despite being arrested, he said he did not regret his actions and denied an allegation someone was cut, saying he only threw sticky liquid on the politician.
Of his milkshake, he ruefully said: "I was quite looking forward to it but I think it went on a better purpose."
Farage had just given a short speech at the city's Monument as part of a tour of the country ahead of polling day on Thursday.
He tweeted: "Sadly some remainers have become radicalised, to the extent that normal campaigning is becoming impossible.
"For a civilised democracy to work you need the losers consent, politicians not accepting the referendum result have led us to this."
During Farage's visit to Edinburgh for a Brexit Party rally on Friday a nearby McDonald's outlet was reportedly asked by police to halt the sale of milkshakes and ice cream.
READ MORE: Edinburgh McDonald's stops selling milkshakes during Farage visit
The Brexit party leader delivered a speech at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, less than a mile away from a McDonald’s restaurant.
Police are believed to have requested that the restaurant suspend serving milkshakes and ice cream during Farage’s visit due to concerns that the products would be used as missiles.
A notice outside the McDonald's outlet read: “We will not be selling milkshakes or ice cream tonight. This is due to a police request given recent events.”
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