A MAN is in a critical condition after being attacked in Colchester town centre early on New Year's Day.

The victim, 25, suffered serious head injuries shortly before 2am on Queen Street.

He was taken by paramedics to Colchester General Hospital, but was then transferred to Romford's Queens Hospital, which specialises in treating head injuries.

Police officers were flagged to the scene by a reveller.

They arrested a 21-year-old man of no fixed abode at a nearby takeaway on suspicion of assault. He is currently being questioned at Colchester police station.

Detectives reviewed CCTV and found there had been a series of street asaaults within a matter of minutes.

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Simon Werrett, said: "We have reviewed CCTV and this shows three separate incidents on Queen Street; an assault outside The Silk Road nightclub, a further assault outside Subway and then the final one further down Queen Street.

"We would like to speak to the victims of the first two assaults or witnesses to these incidents.”

Anyone with information should contact detectives at Colchester police station on 101.