UKIP candidate Nigel Farage was injured in a light plane crash today, police have said.

Mr Farage was taken to hospital following the crash at Hinton-in-the-Hedges airfield in Northamptonshire.

His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The plane went down just after 8am. The pilot was also injured in the accident and has been taken to hospital in Oxford.

A spokeswoman for Ukip has confirmed Mr Farage was involved in the accident while travelling in a light aircraft.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said: “Just after 8am a light aircraft came down at Hinton in the Hedges airfield near Brackley in Northamptonshire.<

“Two people were on board the aircraft, pilot and passenger, and both suffered what are believed to be minor injuries.”

Mr Farage was in the skies towing a banner with the slogan ‘Vote for your country - Vote Ukip’.

The plane was due to fly over Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire.

A Ukip spokesman said: “We’ve had unconfirmed reports that either the banner got snagged up or there were cross-winds and it was unfamiliar airfield to the

pilot, who had to be cut out of the plane.’’

Mr Farage suffered “minor head injuries” but campaigners had been told to “carry on,”, he said.

He added: “Ukip is sure that everybody involved in today’s General Election will join us in hoping and praying that the pilot recovers from his injuries as soon as possible.’’

A 40-year-old man, who was working at the airfield when the accident happened, said: “I was in the hangar and suddenly all these ambulances and fire engines went past.

“I saw the plane take off. All I know is that it was banner-towing for Ukip.’’