Nigel Farage today performed a no-show at his party's carnival of colour in Croydon because the area is "unsafe" and a "dump", Ukip's local candidate claimed.
The rally, at which the under-fire Ukip leader was due to hit back at claims of racism in his party, was plunged into confusion when he didn't turn up.
Dozens of Ukip supporters - and vocal protesters - had been on hand to greet Mr Farage, only to discover he was not coming.
Ukip candidate for South Norwood, Winston McKenzie explained the absence was a result of Croydon's run-down reputation.
"It's not a case of being scared, it's a case of realising you're a responsible family man and leader of a political party," he said.
"When you're going into a ring there are certain people and situations you have to avoid. When you weigh up the situation in Croydon and how violent it has become... Just a few weeks ago someone was murdered, chopped up and thrown in the bin.
Asked in front of onlookers if Mr Farage was "chicken", Mr McKenzie continued: "It's not a good idea. If he's not shown up he's a very sensible man.
"What used to be the place to come, the place to shop, has now become a dump.
"How can you ask an international leader to turn up somewhere that's not safe?
"This is a very sensible man. Croydon has deteriorated over successive years. Now we have a coalition where Croydon has descended into depravity.
"He wouldn't feel safe and who would blame him?"
Mr Farage's party had been due to attend hold a rally, complete with a steel drum band, after he suggested he would not feel safe if Romanians moved in next door to him.
Protesters chanted "we are all Romanians" as the crowd waited for the Ukip leader and local candidates canvassed for votes against the backdrop of steel drum music.
Earlier, Mr McKenzie had been challenged by onlooker Anthony St Croix, 26, about a Ukip candidate who recently claimed Lenny Henry "should go back to a black country".
Asked what he thought of Ukip attracting black candidates to stand in the area, Mr St Croix told the Standard: "For me it's a classic divide and conquer to be honest with you.
"'Let's get a couple of them onside and the rest will follow'.
"But unfortunately what people have got to realise is that the youth are actually smarter than the media portray. We have got some educated people here in Croydon, but we are stereotyped and we are judged."
Today it was revealed Farage had been reported to Britain’s racism watchdog after he suggested people in London would be right to be concerned if Romanians moved in next door.
The watchdog confirmed that it has powers to investigate acts of prejudice and take individuals to court.
