A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of a vicious assault in Colchester High Street that happened more than three years ago.

Nikki Brewer, of East Street, Colchester, who was 18 at the time, flew through the air, such was the force of the punch.

The brutal attack was caught on CCTV. It was viewed by thousands of people on YouTube, appeared on BBC’S Crimewatch and Nikki set up a Facebook group to try to find the culprit.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and is due to answer bail today.

Nikki, who has been left mentally scarred by the attack, said she is pleased there is progress in the case after three years of waiting for justice.

She said: “I am happy, but don’t want to get my hopes up.

“The attack left me with a black eye, bleeding nose, concussion and may be partially responsible for my spinal problems.

“It was so unexpected.”

Nikki’s confidence was affected after the attack on in April 4, 2009 at 1.20am.

She was walking with a friend who was spat on by a man.

She turned to tell the man off and he walked over and put his arm around her then punched her in the face. She said: “I don’t go out as much now and never feel relaxed.

“I am always on edge, waiting, in case something happens.

“It has changed me. I don’t see many of the same people anymore as I don’t normally want to go up town and have back problems.”

Nikki, who is married and works for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre charity, said she has been amazed by the support she has received.

She said: “Chief Insp Mark Schofield has been speaking to me the last couple of months and has been great.

“The YouTube clip went everywhere and there has been so much support and people were really nice.

“I get recognised quite a bit. I was on Martin’s Money Tips asking a question and the person asked if I was the girl from Colchester High Street.”

A year after the attack, the CCTV footage which caused outrage, was re released and there was a large response but no one was arrested.