The Ukip leader called the demonstrators “scum”, claiming they had caused his children distress. The group, however, said they were holding a “cabaret of diversity” in support of those Ukip was seeking to marginalise.

Farage was with his wife and two younger children when the demonstrators arrived at the George & Dragon pub. As he tried to leave, at least one protester jumped on the bonnet of his car.

The demonstrators said Farage pushed through them to get into the car and was then chased down the road.

Farage said afterwards: “I hope these ‘demonstrators’ are proud of themselves. My children were so scared by their behaviour that they ran away to hide.”

The Ukip leader, who is thought to have left in a car driven by his wife, said that a relative had returned to the pub and his children were later found safe. Farage’s children with his wife, Kirsten, are Victoria and Isabelle, thought to be aged 15 and 10 respectively. He also has two grownup children from his previous marriage.

The demonstrations began at around lunchtime at the Queen’s Head pub in Downe, Kent, where Farage was expected to be. The campaigners from the group called Ukip – Beyond Diversity, gathered in fancy dress and included migrants, HIV activists, gay people, disabled people and breastfeeding mothers, they said.

Protesters block the Ukip leader’s car. Photograph: Levi Hinds/Levi Hinds

They claimed to be highlighting the pressures that would be placed on such groups, were some of Farage’s policies adopted. The Ukip leader has previously said breastfeeding women should sit in a corner and has spoken out against gay marriage.