SENIOR UKIP figures in Worcestershire have spoken of their relief at Steven Woolfe's recovery - calling the fracas "deeply upsetting".

The party has launched an inquiry after the MEP went to hospital following an incident in which he was allegedly floored during a dust-up with ex-commando Mike Hookem.

An image has gone viral showing Mr Woolfe on the ground after collapsing some time after the fracas, while he was voting in Strasbourg's European Parliament.

The two Worcestershire MEPs representing UKIP say they were not present during the reportedly "heated" group meeting yesterday which led to the incident.

Both of them have appealed for calm and say they are relieved Mr Woolfe is back on his feet after going to hospital in a "serious condition".

Worcester-based James Carver, who was tied up elsewhere during the alleged row, said: "Thankfully Stephen is ok, he's standing on his feet which is great to hear.

"It was deeply upsetting, I've always played a straight bat in politics but to be honest there's a lot of hearsay going around, I need to find out more about what has happened.

"Nigel Farage has said there'll be an investigation and believe you me, if Nigel says there will be an investigation then there will be one.

"It's deeply shocking and upsetting situation but in fairness we've got to wait and see what comes out of it."

Mr Etheridge, meanwhile, has asked people to "pause for thought" before making any conclusions about the incident.

He has also used social network Twitter to say he is confident "the truth will come out" around the situation, urging party members: "It's time for more calm and less judgement."

Mr Woolfe, 49 - among the favourites to be the party's next leader - had a precautionary brain scan after going to hospital.

UKIP chairman Paul Oakden said there would be a full investigation and "appropriate action" if necessary.

An argument was said to have taken place following claims Mr Woolfe had been considering defecting to the Conservative Party but Mr Hookem, an MEP in Humberside, has denied punching him.

The duo were said to be having clear the air talks which got out of hand.