along the ground by a car.

Patrol officers watched the man being dragged along the street as a car left the 24-hour Par-La-Ville Road gas station at 2.15 a.m. yesterday.

But the passenger in the car drove straight to Hamilton Police Station and reported that he had been stabbed by the beggar.

He needed ten stitches to a wound in his left forearm. And he said the car had only driven off in an attempt to get away.

Police said yesterday that no arrests had been made.

But they revealed they had already spoken to the beggar who is believed to have given a false name.

He was stopped by officers after the incident and told them he was grabbed by the passenger and dragged down the street.

He also said he was attacked after asking for cash.

But a Police spokeswoman said: "A different version was provided a little later by the man at Hamilton Police station.

"Upon further investigation by officers, it was disclosed that the occupants of the car had been approached by the man who had demanded money from them.

"When they refused, he allegedly pulled a knife and began stabbing at the passenger.

"As the car drove off, the man fell into the street and the driver drove straight to the Police Station to report the incident.'' Anyone with information is urged to call detectives on 295-0011.