UKIP says the Tory challenge in Dudley North is over after shocking allegations about general election candidate Afzal Amin.

Mr Amin has been suspended by the Conservative Party after the Mail on Sunday printed claims he attempted to do a deal with the English Defence League (EDL) to stage a protest against a new mosque in the town.

The paper claims Mr Amin then intended to claim credit for the cancellation of the demonstration in a bid to impress voters, it also says he offered to pay EDL supporters to campaign for him - which would be illegal.

Bill Etheridge MEP, UKIP’s Dudley North candidate, said: “These allegations are deeply concerning and are very serious indeed.‬

"Should they be true then the candidate clearly has to go.‬ UKIP will continue its positive campaigning in Dudley North.‬

"It's clear that the Conservative challenge in Dudley is finished.‬ The only way to stop Ed Miliband getting the keys to number 10 is to vote UKIP."‬

Mr Amin denies any wrongdoing, the News understands Conservative politicians in Dudley have been instructed by Tory Central Office not to talk to the media about the allegations until the issue has been resolved.

Mr Amin will face a full inquiry by the party on Tuesday.