London, Nov 3 Nick Griffin, the leader of far right British Nationalist Party who sparked a row after a controversial appearance on BBC, has claimed that he was racially abused by an Asian man.

The BNP leader, who supports an end to all immigration to Britain, was giving evidence at the Preston Crown Court, at the trial of Tariq Khalid, 23, who is said to have made gestures with his hand as if threatening to shoot Griffin.

The incident occurred last November when 50-year-old Griffin joined supporters outside Burnley police station in a protest against the arrest of four BNP sympathisers for distributing leaflets linking Muslim gangs to the heroin trade.

Last month, protesters broke into the grounds of BBC studios shortly before the far-right politician's controversial appearance on a top TV political panel show, as hundreds protested outside.

- (Agencies)