UKIP MEP Steven Woolfe says injuries prove he was punched
Steven Woolfe was taken to hospital after what was described as an "altercation" at a heated meeting of UKIP MEPs in Strasbourg.
Sunday 9 October 2016 05:38, UK
The UKIP MEP in hospital after a bust-up with a colleague has insisted his injuries support his claim that he was attacked.
In a statement given to Sky News, Steven Woolfe said a medical examination had revealed he suffered injuries to his face, head and body.
The 49-year-old, who this week launched a bid to lead his party, has spoken out after the other MEP involved, Mike Hookem, told Sky News Mr Woolfe started the fight.
Mr Hookem's version of events prompted claims from other UKIP MEPs that Mr Woolfe was unfit to be leader and should abandon his bid.
Speaking to Sky News, a spokesman for Mr Woolfe said: "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."
Sources have told Sky News that a medical assessment of Mr Woolfe reveals:
:: Bruising on his face consistent with a punch
:: Bruising on the back of his head consistent with a fall
Sources also claim there is photographic evidence of facial injuries taken immediately after the altercation and before Mr Woolfe's seizure.
Mr Woolfe told the Daily Mail that Mr Hookem "came at me and landed a blow" and that he fell back and hit the door frame.
But Mr Hookem was adamant in an interview with Sky News on Friday he did not hit Mr Woolfe and on Saturday afternoon tweeted a photo of his hands, which he said showed he had no injuries.
He claimed it was evidence that he did not punch Mr Woolfe.
Mr Hookem told Sky News on Saturday: "I am now disputing everything Steven Woolfe is saying.
"That photograph shows my hands, it was the day after the altercation, supposed altercation, to show that there is no marks whatsoever.
"It's high definition, there is no marks whatsoever on my hands."
He also tweeted a picture of Steven Woolfe "sitting in a hospital bed where there is no marks whatsoever on his face".
Mr Hookem added: "It is playground behaviour and I have apologised to the membership, and I've apologised to the party.
The MEP concluded: "It shouldn't have happened, it was silly. And I am quite prepared to put my hands up to say it's silly, we shouldn't have done it, let's shake hands, let's move on."
Earlier, a spokesman for him said: "Mr Hookem will now be seeking legal advice in relation to Mr Woolfe's allegations and will be making no further comment at this time."
UKIP MEP Roger Helmer has questioned whether Mr Woolfe will be fit to be leader if an inquiry ordered by Nigel Farage into what he initially described as an "altercation" backs Mr Hookem's version of events.
"If it's concluded that he started, he intentionally started, a fight - if, I stress, if - then that would be a black mark against his ability to stand," said Mr Helmer.
"I think as a conclusion of that investigation the party will consider whether disciplinary measures are appropriate and that might have implications for Steven Woolfe's candidacy."
The President of the European Parliament, Martin Schultz, has also launched an inquiry into the conduct of the two MEPs, which could see them suspended from voting and their expenses cut.