Ukip MEP altercation between Steven Woolfe and Mike Hookem referred to police by European parliament president

It is the latest twist in the saga of Ukip's woes since the EU referendum

UKIP member Steven Woolfe after collapsing (ITV News)

Ukip’s troubles have deepened after two of its MEPs were referred to the French police over a fight, following which one of them needed urgent hospital treatment.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz said he would call in the "French authorities" over the incident, in the wake of which leadership frontrunner Steven Woolfe said he would quit the party.

Ukip is in turmoil after the scuffle between Mr Woolfe and fellow MEP Mike Hookem, which itself followed the resignation of Diane James, the leader who took over from Nigel Farage.

Mr Woolfe has claimed his Ukip colleague "landed a blow" on him after the pair left a party meeting in the European parliament building to settle a heated argument, but Mr Hookem denies any punches were thrown.

Mr Schulz said an investigation was needed given various statements "diverge substantially" over what happened.

He said: "Given the seriousness of the reported facts and their possible criminal implications, further evidence is needed to clarify that matter.

"As a result, I have decided to follow the recommendation of the advisory committee and I have referred this matter to the French authorities."

He said that the results of the investigation would then inform his decision on whether sanctions would be needed on individuals involved.

Former Ukip leadership contender Mr Woolfe spent three nights in hospital following the confrontation earlier this month. Pictures showed him spread-eagled on the floor of a walkway after collapsing in the wake of the encounter, and before medics took him away in an ambulance.

Mr Schulz added: "Medical examinations carried out after Mr Woolfe’s admission to hospital suggest that when he collapsed on the bridge in the house, that followed from a blow to his head. That stems from a medical report.

"I have taken note of Mr Woolfe’s allegations and there is a clear suspicion that he was subjected to an act of violence, which is why we have referred the matter to the prosecutors. I have no doubts about Mr Woolfe’s allegations personally."

Mr Hookem admitted he had been involved in a "scuffle" with Mr Woolfe but insisted "no punches were thrown".

Mr Woolfe has since resigned from Ukip claiming the party is in a "death spiral" and "ungovernable" without the EU referendum cause to unite it.