A Cumbrian MEP is conscious and recovering, after allegedly being punched during a heated Ukip row.

Steven Woolfe is a hot-contender to become the next Ukip leader, following the shock resignation of Diane James just 18 days after she was elected to the post.

The party originally confirmed Mr Woolfe collapsed in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg this morning, describing his condition then as serious.

However, Nigel Farage, Ukip's interim leader, later confirmed it followed an earlier incident during a "clear the air" meeting with MEPs.

They are said to have been unhappy at Mr Woolfe's admission he had considered defecting to the Conservatives.

Mr Woolfe is alleged to have been hit by a fellow Ukip member, before collapsing a short time later. He was taken to hospital amid fears he was suffering a bleed on the brain.

His condition was initially described as "life-threatening", but he is now improving.

The 49-year-old MEP said in a statement that a CT scan had shown there was no blood clot on his brain but that he was being kept in hospital overnight as a precaution.

"At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever," said Mr Woolfe.

"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. "

The incident comes the day after Mr Woolfe declared he was a candidate for the Ukip leadership.

Mr Woolfe's only current rival in the leadership contest, Raheem Kassam, tweeted his concern for his colleague and suspended an appearance on the BBC Politics show out of respect.

Ukip's only MP, Douglas Carswell, also tweeted his support.

Mr Woolfe became one of the North West's eight MEPs, representing the region in the European Parliament, in July 2014.

He covers an area stretching from Carlisle to Chester, and in between.

Yesterday he announced his intention to run for Ukip leader, saying he had "been enthused by the start to Theresa May's premiership".

"In the last few weeks I have thought long and hard about my political future and how I can best help build the Brexit Britain we voted for in June - a meritocratic, independent and prosperous country that stands up for the millions of people who have been ignored for too long," said Mr Woolfe.