Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe released from hospital after bust up
UKIP leadership hopeful Steven Woolfe is out of hospital after he was admitted last Thursday following a bust up in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Mr Woolfe has been in hospital since Thursday but has finally been released
The politician was involved in an altercation that led to him being rushed to hospital but he has now been released.
The North West MEP was rushed by ambulance to hospital on Thursday after reportedly being punched in the face and hitting his head on a metal bar at a violent get-together of the party's representatives in Strasbourg.
However mystery surrounds the circumstances of the incident which fellow MEP Mike Hookem was implicated in.
Mr Hookem is said to have been involved in the fracas
Hookem: NO punches were thrown in scuffle with Woolfe
Mr Woolfe collapsed following the brawl at the parliament building and was at one point said by those close to him to be "fighting for his life" with a bleed on the brain.
However he left the hospital this morning avoiding the press by leaving by a side entrance.
The incident is currently being investigated by UKIP and the European Parliament, where it has been announced the inquiry will be led by Conservative MEP Sajjad Karim.
Steven Woolfe offers hand of friendship to Mike Hookem
Mike Hookem sent out a photo of his hands in a bid to prove he didn't throw a punch
Mr Woolfe issued a statement from his hospital bed on Thursday, he 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."
Mr Woolfe appears to be passed out on the floor in this picture taken in Strasbourg
Mr Hookem acknowledged he was involved in a ”scuffle" in the European Parliament but denied he assaulted Mr Woolfe by punching him.
He told the BBC: "I am innocent. I never threw a punch. I never assaulted him. I will stand my corner."
But Mr Woolfe's spokesman said on Saturday: "A team of experts independent of the hospital staff were called in to examine physical injuries to Steven's face, head and body that were inconsistent with just a seizure, or a fall as a result of a seizure.
"The team of experts also examined other pieces of evidence including clothing and images relating to those injuries.
"Their report will shine a different light on claims currently being made in the media."