UKIP candidate for Christchurch Robin Grey has claimed his emails were deliberately targeted by hackers.

A scam email was sent out from both his party and private email addresses to many of his contacts yesterday (APR 2), saying he was "stranded" in the Ukraine after being robbed, and he needed money to get back to the UK.

The phishing scam is relatively common and attempts to persuade recipients to divulge their bank details to the hacker.

Mr Grey said he believed he had been deliberately targeted.

"I am not usually paranoid but I think it was deliberate, to try and cause me difficulties," he said.

"They hacked into two of my accounts, one my official Ukip account and the other my personal account."

The prospective MP did not disclose the identity of those he believes responsible for the hack.

"I have changed the level of security on my accounts since this morning so hopefully there won't be any others going out."

The email, entitled 'Horrible Experience', purported to come from 'Robin Grey UKIP Christchurch Branch Chairman'.

It said: "Sorry for any inconvenience, I'm in a terrible situation.

"Am stranded here in Ukraine since last night. I was hurt and robbed on my way to the hotel I stayed and my luggage is still in custody of the hotel management pending when I make payment on outstanding bills I owe."

The email went on to ask for money to be sent so the sender could catch their return flight, with the promise that it would be refunded "as soon as I get back home".

It concluded with what appeared to be an automatic official signature as commonly used on emails.

Suspected scam emails should be reported to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.