Update: Ukip's Steven Woolfe 'feeling brighter' after 'epileptic-like fits' in European Parliament
It is understood that Mr Woolfe passed out after suffering what were described as two "epileptic-like fits" as well numbness on the left hand side of his body.
In his statement he made no reference to the reported altercation which took place at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
There were unconfirmed reports that he was punched during the course of an argument while other reports suggested he hit his head after falling heavily.
A spokeswoman for French national police said that the incident had not been reported to them and they had no current plans to investigate.
"If someone decides to ring and make a complaint, we will of course follow it up," she said.
A spokeswoman for the European Parliament confirmed Mr Woolfe had collapsed in the main building in Strasbourg, and said that an investigation into the circumstances was now under way.
Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe is recovering in hospital after being admitted in a "serious" condition following an altercation at a meeting of the party's MEPs.
The 49-year-old MEP said in a statement that a CT scan had shown that 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. As a precaution, I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything in fine," he said.
"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. "
Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe is reported to be "conscious" and "recovering" in hospital following an altercation at a meeting of the party's MEPs.
The incident took place during what was said to be a heated discussion at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
A photograph posted on the ITV News website showed the MEP lying spread-eagled and face-down on a gangway clutching a briefcase with an attendant leaning over him.
It followed earlier reports that the Ukip member was in a "life-threatening condition" in hospital.
Fellow leadership contender Raheem Kassam had written on Twitter: "I've just heard Steven Woolfe's condition is life-threatening. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers."
Neil Hamilton, Ukip's leader in the Welsh Assembly, said he had been told by an eyewitness that there was an argument between some MEPs.
The former Conservative MP told the BBC: "I don't know what his current condition is. It's obviously a serious matter if he's been carted off to hospital with bleeding on the brain, as I understand.
"Well, this is what I've been told second-hand but the story has come from somebody who was an eyewitness there so you know I think it's pretty credible.
"It's most unfortunate but passions obviously run high."
He added that he had been told Mr Woolfe "toppled over and hit his head on a glass window" after the confrontation, adding: "It must have been quite a wallop, I guess, to have had the impact that it seems to have had."
Mr Hamilton admitted the incident was not a great advert for the party, but added: "Let's not generalise it - it's a dispute between one or two individuals. It's not good that they are public representatives of the party in the European Parliament and that's highly regrettable."
Ukip MEP Roger Helmer was also at the initial meeting, where he said there was "a lively exchange of views".
He told the BBC: "I've heard that he is in a serious condition, although I've heard that my colleague Gill Seymour, who was with him, is optimistic about his recovery.
"There were some lively exchanges of views. I think you'll find that's not uncommon in political meetings.
"That took place a good two hours before the voting session where I understand Steven Woolfe left.
"I certainly saw no physical altercation take place."
Ukip MEP Steven Woolfe is in a "serious" condition in hospital "following an altercation that took place at a meeting of Ukip MEPs this morning" in Strasbourg, Nigel Farage said.
A statement from Ukip's interim leader 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. His condition is serious."
A party spokesman said Mr Woolfe was "taken suddenly ill" in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg on Thursday morning.
The spokesman added: "He has been taken to hospital in the city and he is undergoing tests."
A senior source within the party has said that Mr Woolfe is suffering from bleeding of the brain after he was punched by a colleague.
According to one source it took place at what was described as a "clear the air meeting" with MEPs who had been unhappy at his admission that he had considered defecting to the Conservatives.
Raheem Kassam, who is also running to be Ukip leader, tweeted: "I really hope @Steven_Woolfe is okay. Plz send him your best wishes."
Ukip has long had a reputation of bitter internal feuding, with a number of high-profile party figures making no secret of their dislike for each other.
Mr Kassam, warned on Wednesday that the party could not look forward to a positive future unless it was able to heal the "internal fractures".
"There are so many people shaking hands with one another and then knifing them in private. It has to stop," he said.
"I'm clear about what I stand for: a strong, united Ukip, free of the Tory splitters. And I launched a clean campaign pledge on my website because I'm sick of the backstabbing and negative briefings. If I have something negative to say about someone, I'll say it to their face, not behind their backs."
The incident comes the day after Mr Woolfe declared he was a candidate for the Ukip leadership following the shock resignation of Diane James.
In his statement announcing his candidacy, Mr Woolfe said he had been "enthused" by Theresa May's start to her premiership.
"Her support of new grammar schools, her words on social mobility and the growing evidence that she is committed to a clean Brexit prompted me, as it did many of my friends and colleagues, to wonder whether our future was within her new Conservative Party," he said.
Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe has reportedly collapsed during a session at the European Parliament.
The British MEP for the North West is said to have been taken ill after walking out on a vote at the parliament in Strasbourg.
He is now being tended to by medics, according to reports on social media.
Suzanne Evans, Ukip's former deputy chair who is said to be considering her own leadership bid, tweeted: "Shocked to hear Steven Woolfe has apparently collapsed in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Wishing him well for a speedy recovery."
Shocked to hear Steven Woolfe has apparently collapsed in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Wishing him well for a speedy recovery.
— Suzanne Evans (@SuzanneEvans1) October 6, 2016
A Ukip spokesman said: "Steven Woolfe MEP was taken suddenly ill in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg this morning.
"He has been taken to hospital in the city and he is undergoing tests."
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