#UKIP MEP Steven Woolfe in hospital following 'brawl'

It is being reported that UKIP leadership hopeful Steven Woolfe (pictured) is conscious in hospital following an 'altercation' at a meeting of party MEPs - a source close to EU Reporter, an MEP who has asked not to be named, said that the meeting descended into a "brawl".

It has been revealed that doctors reported Woolfe had suffered two seizures and it was believed he had bleeding on the brain. He has undergone further tests including a brain scan, they said.

It has been alleged that UKIP MEP Mike Hookem (pictured, below) punched Woolfe. Hookem was not available for comment.

Woolfe announced on Wednesday (5 October) that he will stand for the party's leadership after Diane James stepped down.

In his statement, UKIP interim leader Nigel Farage said: "I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious."

UKIP MEP Roger Helmer said that the incident followed "some lively exchanges" at a closed meeting of party MEPs on Thursday morning (6 October). He said the gathering happened "a good two hours" before a voting session from which he understood had Woolfe left.

Raheem Kassam, the other candidate to have declared for the UKIP leadership so far, tweeted his best wishes for Woolfe, as did former deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans.

Diane James said on Twitter: "My thoughts are with @Steven-Woolfe and his wife and daughter at this anxious time and I wish Steven a speedy and full recovery."

Lisa Duffy, who stood in the previous UKIP leadership contest, told the BBC that she had known Woolfe before his daughter was born and had attended his wedding: "Today's news is devastating for everybody concerned and I can't possibly speculate on what's actually happened."

Speaking from the hospital in Strasbourg, Woolfe said: "The CT scan has shown that there is no blood clot in the brain. At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever. As a precaution,  I am being kept in overnight  awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything in fine. I would like everyone to know that the parliamentary staff, the UKIP MEPs with me and hospital staff have been brilliant. Their care has been exceptional. I am sitting up, and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left-hand side of my face."

Farage said on Wednesday he would return as UKIP's interim leader until a fresh election could be held to find James's successor.

Woolfe was unable to take part in the previous UKIP leadership race after he missed the deadline for submitting his nomination.

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