A football fan from Mildenhall has continued to make progress in hospital after he was knocked unconscious in March whilst attending a Cambridge match at Southend.

Simon Dobbin, 43, ended up in a coma after the attack – for which 16 men have been arrested and bailed- and is now recovering in a rehabilitation centre in Norwich.

His wife said there had been “a fantastic change” in him once he had been moved but he still faces a lengthy battle for recovery.

It could be a year before doctors are able to assess his chances of a full recovery.

“There was a fantastic change in him within 24 hours of him being moved,” said Mrs Dobbin. “He’s fighting - he’s so alert, it’s like a light’s been switched on.”

Mr Dobbin was assaulted along with a small group of other fans on March 21.

It happened after a game between Mr Dobbin’s club and Southend United at around 7.15pm in East Street, Southend.

A group of men came out of the Railway Tavern and attacked the group leaving Mr Dobbin unconscious and with a head injury.

He was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and was placed in a medically induced coma.

He is now conscious but remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

DCI Martin Pasmore, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our investigation is progressing and it will take time to piece together the actions of all those involved but my team and I are determined to bring those responsible for this sickening attack to justice.

“I want to make it clear that Mr Dobbin was an entirely innocent person enjoying a day out watching a football match.

“He was not involved in any earlier quarrels or incidents and it could have been anyone’s loved one attacked on the day and now looking at the possibility of having to live with a permanent brain injury.

“I ask that those who know what happened do the right thing and make contact either directly or in confidence through Crimestoppers.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call the Harlow Major Investigation Room on 01279 621802 or ringl Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org