The leader of the Netherlands’ far-right Forum for Democracy party was assaulted in Belgium on Thursday night by a man wielding an umbrella.

Video posted on social media appears to show Thierry Baudet being struck in the face with the folded-up umbrella as he arrived at the University of Ghent to deliver a lecture.

Mr Baudet, 40, told Dutch radio he had “a significant bump” on his head but he went ahead with his talk.

After striking Mr Baudet, the attacker – who was able to approach the FVD leader unimpeded – shouted anti-fascist slogans and denounced Vladimir Putin.