UKIP’s Steven Woolfe hospitalised after being punched by colleague in EU parliament

The favourite to lead the anti-EU UK Independence Party, Steven Woolfe, was in a “serious” condition in hospital on Thursday after an “altercation” at a meeting with colleagues in the European Parliament, former chief 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,” Farage said in a statement.

“His condition is serious.”

British media reported that Woolfe had been punched by a colleague and was being treated for bleeding on the brain but there was no immediate confirmation from the party.

But Woolfe, who was celebrating his 49th birthday on Thursday, later said a scan had shown there was no blood clot and no bleeding on the brain.

“I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever,” Woolfe said in a statement. “The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face.”