X-factor wannabe Richard Peachey has been quizzed by police over a sick ‘happy slapping’ attack which left a man with a broken nose, jaw and fractured cheekbone.

Eighteen-year-old Richard, currently appearing on the hit ITV1 talent search, was among five men interviewed about an alleged assault on 20-year-old Paul Thomas.

Richard, who is on police bail until November 6, said today: ‘It was nothing to do with me and I know my name is going to be cleared.’

Meanwhile, Mr Thomas spoke publicly for the first time about the attack, which is thought to have been filmed on a videophone.

‘I was in the flat on my own when some men kicked my door down and came in and gave me a pasting. It was terrifying,’ he said. ‘I haven’t got a clue what sparked it, it was an unprovoked attack. I was in really bad pain and spent two days in hospital.