POLICE have arrested a man on suspicion of randomly punching a stranger, but now need to track down his victim.

In an unusual sequence of events, the suspect was arrested even though a complaint was not made to officers.

CCTV operators spotted the incident, in Culver Walk, Colchester, on Tuesday at about 5.25pm.

A woman walked past the O2 shop and was nearly opposite D&A Opticians when a stranger hit her from behind and ran off.

Police arrested a man, but the victim has not yet come forward.

She was white with fair, shoulder-length hair and wore a white blouse and dark trousers.

The attacker was a bearded man in his forties, who had a scruffy appearance.

The incident may have been witnessed by a woman with short dark hair and glasses, and her daughter, who stopped to speak to the victim afterwards.

Insp Paul Butcher, of Colchester Town Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This incident was recorded on CCTV and we have arrested a suspect.

“However, we would very much like the victim and witnesses to come forward.

“We want to speak to them so we can obtain the best possible evidence and provide support for the victim.”

Mr Butcher said such random incidents were rare.

Anyone with information can call officers at Colchester police station on 0300 3334444.