Nigel Farage has reportedly apologised in person to a Thai woman who was called a "ting tong" by a Ukip MEP.

Janice Atkinson, who represents the South East, was recorded making the comments after meeting constituent Fa Munday, a mobile food seller in Ramsgate, Kent, and her husband Vincent.

Mr Farage told the couple he was "deeply sorry" and "it shouldn't have happened", according to the BBC.

Ukip said the party leader had been invited by Mrs Munday to meet them and was "happy to visit them".

A spokesman said Mr Farage knew Mr Munday from his time as a broker at the London Metal Exchange but refused to confirm what was said during the visit.

Mr Munday, a Ukip supporter, said yesterday that they had been left shocked by Ms Atkinson's "outrageous" comments, which were captured by the BBC team while she spoke to local people and party members in Ramsgate.

She said: "So that was good. We've got Fa who's, I dunno, she's a ting tong from somewhere."

Ms Atkinson insisted the comments were naive rather than malicious and said she was "incredibly sorry" for offending the couple.

She said: "I deeply regret the words I used and am incredibly sorry. It was poor judgment and naivety on my part rather than words spoken with any malice. I am devastated that I have caused hurt and apologise profusely to both Mr and Mrs Munday."