MEP of UKIP in hospital in serious condition after altercation

A member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the UK Independence Party (UKIP), Steven Woolfe, was taken to hospital in serious condition following an "altercation," the party's leader Nigel Farage tweeted.

Steven Woolfe, MEP for North West England, was the spokesman of UKIP on migration and financial affairs.

Farage, who was reported present during the altercation, said in his statement: "I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs this morning that Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious."

A UKIP spokesman released a short statement later, saying that the British MEP was "suddenly ill" in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg.

"He has been taken to hospital in the city and he is undergoing tests," the statement said.

However, British media The Telegraph said Woolfe "was punched" by a UKIP colleague following a "clear-the-air" meeting with his UKIP colleagues on Thursday morning.

The party, with its key goal of taking Britain out of the European Union, was experiencing uneven leadership change recently.

Farage, who was UKIP leader from 2006-2009 and 2010-2016, resigned as leader of the party in July after successfully campaigning for Britain to vote for Brexit.

However, Farage announced he would get back to party leadership on Wednesday after his successor Diane James unexpectedly quit the job after only 18 days at the helm. Endit