This week, for the first time in Danish history, police officers drew firearms to protect a national politician.

Rasmus Paludan, leader of Denmark's anti-immigration Stram Kurs ('Hard Line') party, was visiting the heavily Islamised Copenhagen suburb of Tingbjerg, when three masked men (described as 'immigrants') charged at him, forcing the police response.

It isn't the first time the fiery politician's presence in heavily Islamised areas has triggered violent reaction.

Stram Kurs campaigns on a platform of 'Denmark for Danes'.

The party advocates a ban on Islam and remigration to prevent Danes from becoming a minority in their own country.

In last month's general election, Paludan came within a whisker of winning a seat in parliament.