A VICTIM of a sickening assault has criticised police for the handling of her case.

Nikki Collier was punched to the ground in a brutal attack in Colchester’s High Street in April 2009.

The 19-year-old, from Colchester, said the officer initially in charge of the case moved to another department and the original statements were lost.

She said: “It frustrates me because I keep thinking of ways they must be able to trace them.

“It took a while for the investigation to progress, unfortunately.

“Maybe if it was sooner someone would have a fresh memory about it, but unfortunately they don’t.”

Miss Collier wrote the comments on the Gazette’s website, which published shocking CCTV footage of the assault on Wednesday, ahead of a planned viewing on BBC’s Crimewatch in the summer.

The video has attracted dozens of angry comments from readers, including some criticising the length of time it has taken for the CCTV footage to be released.

Helen Cook, Essex Police spokeswoman, said: “Although CCTV footage can be viewed shortly afterwards, it can take some time to be downloaded and transferred into an appropriate format.

“It is then shown internally first, to see if the person can be recognised, and only released later in the investigation.

“This is to prevent interference with the investigation in case there are any issues over identification.

“Our priority is to find the person responsible for this crime and we need the public’s help to do so.”

Police declined to comment on the claims original statements were lost.

Anyone who recognises the suspect, or his friend, is urged to contact Colchester police on 0300 3334444.