The singer Leona Lewis remains “shocked” this morning after being punched in the head during a book signing yesterday afternoon.

The X-Factor winner turned global chart-topper was attacked by a man who queued to meet her as she signed copies of her autobiography, Dreams, at Waterstone’s Picadilly in London.

The man reached the singer 90 minutes into the book signing and punched her in the side of the head.

Lewis was led from the store crying as the man was restrained by security officers and then arrested by police.

A statement on the singer's website this morning read: “Leona is obviously shocked after yesterday but is OK, she would like us to convey her thanks to you all for your kind messages and your support.”

The star, who topped both the UK and US charts with the hit Bleeding Love, sought medical attention for bruising and cancelled an appearance on last night’s edition of BBC programme The One Show following the attack.

Lewis, known for her soaring ballads, had earlier spoken of her delight at being greeted by such a large crowd at the central London book store.

“I am so glad at the turnout," she said. "It's amazing. I can't believe people are coming to support and I am just very thankful."

The singer, who was accompanied by her long-time boyfriend, Lou Al-Chamaa, to the book signing, later apologised for cutting the event, scheduled to run for three hours, short.

“Leona is understandably shaken and apologises to the fans she was unable to meet and complete signings,” a statement said.

Waterstones said it took security at book signings "extremely seriously" and that there had never been a violent incident at the store before.

"We would like to thank Leona for her professionalism and we are extremely sad that this event was ruined for her, and her fans, many of whom queued from the early hours of the morning to meet her."

The Metropolitan Police said that a 29 year-old man remains in custody today but has not been charged.

It is the second time Lewis has required the assistance of police this year. In August an international police operation was launched when tracks recorded during sessions for her forthcoming album, Echo, were stolen from her record label's computer system.

Hackers stole three tracks from Simon Cowell-led label Syco and leaked them onto the internet in the highest-profile hacking case the music industry has seen.

Yesterday's attack came a day after the singer announced she was to perform her first full-length UK show on November 2.

The concert at Hackney Empire, near the singer’s family home, will see her unveil songs from her much-anticipated second album, due for release on November 16.

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