News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Ukip leadership frontrunner Steven Woolfe has reportedly collapsed after being punched in an "altercation" during a meeting of the party's MEPs in Strasbourg.

He's reportedly being treated for a brain bleed at a hospital in the French city.

Nigel Farage told reporters Mr Woolfe had been in an "altercation" shortly before collapsing.

He said: "Following an altercation that took place at a meeting of Ukip MEPs Stephen Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital."

Mr Woolfe collapsed in the hours following a confrontation with fellow MEP Mike Hookem, it has been claimed.

The pair and the party’s 22 other MEPs held a “clear the air” meeting this morning.

Mr Woolfe reportedly hit his head on a glass window as he fell backwards.

It followed Mr Woolfe releasing a statement yesterday in which he said he had considered defecting to the conservative party.

(Image: ITV News)

Mr Woolfe's condition was initially described as "serious" - but he is now awake and says he is recovering well.

In a statement released from hospital, he said: "I am feeling brighter, happier and smiling as ever. I am sitting up and said to be looking well.

"The CT scan has shown that there is no blood clot in the brain.

"The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face.

"I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything is fine."

He later tweeted to pay tribute to European Parliament and hospital staff.

The MEP announced plans to run to replace Diane James as leader yesterday, following her resignation after just 18 days.

Bookies had already installed Mr Woolfe as the 1/2 favourite before he announced his intention to run.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

He told Sky News: "I will take on the challenges that Nigel has faced - those within the party who seem to be doing us harm - but also looking forward very clearly to the 17.5 million people who voted for Brexit ."

A Ukip spokesperson said this morning: "Steven Woolfe MEP was taken suddenly ill in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg this morning. He has been taken to hospital in the city and he is undergoing tests."

(Image: null)

Presumed leadership rival Suzanne Evans tweeted: "Shocked to hear Steven Woolfe has apparently collapsed in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Wishing him well for a speedy recovery."

And Breitbart UK editor Raheem Kassam, who launched his bid for the party's leadership last night, cancelled a planned appearance on the BBC's Daily Politics programme after the news broke.

He said: "The details out of the EU parliament today are distressing. Our thoughts and prayers should be for Steven and his speedy recovery. Violence like this is abhorrent, and does not reflect UKIP or its members”.

MEP Patrick O'Flynn declined to discuss the incident, adding: "My thoughts and prayers are with Steven and I'm desperately, anxiously waiting to hear further news."