April Fools' Day 2016: Nigel Farage alarms Ukip supporters by 'backing campaign for Britain to remain in EU'

The Ukip leader joked that he would be supporting the campaign to keep Britain in the union

Ukip leader Nigel Farage (PA)

Nigel Farage has horrified some Ukip supporters with an April Fools’ Day joke announcing his backing for Britain to stay in the European Union.

Read our live round-up of the best and worst jokes here

“I've decided that today is the perfect time to announce that I'll be supporting the campaign to Remain in the EU,” he tweeted from his account.

While most Twitter users noted the timing of the announcement, several of Mr Farage’s supporters seemed concerned.

“What the actual f***?” replied one outraged man, with another labelling the MEP a “traitor”.

Some questioned whether the Ukip leader’s account had been hacked, presumably by some tech-savvy “remainers” ahead of the 23 June referendum.

Others were unimpressed. “You didn't need to bother with this, you are already one of the biggest fools on the planet, April or otherwise,” came one frosty remark.

“At least make it a realistic joke,” another huffed.

But many of the Ukip leader's fans enjoyed the joke, crowning him "lord of bants" and praising the "best April fools of all time".

Mr Farage’s joke came as the UK woke up to the annual deluge of pranks and fake stories.