Detectives hunting a thug who stabbed a Policeman at a football match have issued an artist's impression of their prime suspect. See Page 31 Officers released the image of the man they want to question after taking detailed witness statements, six months after the incident at Somerset Cricket Club.

P.c. Paul Simons, 30, was knifed in the side and back by a hooligan as violence flared during a First Division match between Somerset Trojans and Boulevard.

The attacker is described as slim, light skinned, average height and between 18 and 24 years old. He wore a lumberjack-type shirt to the game on November 25.

Det. Chief Insp. Carlton Adams, leading the manhunt, said the inquiry was run by six detectives at its peak -- along with six officers from other sections of the Police force.

He told The Royal Gazette : "This started out as a major investigation and it continues to be treated as such.

"Ordinary citizens were absolutely shocked by this crime. Some were wondering what might happen to them, if something like this could happen to a policeman.

"But there was an element of the public who were indifferent to it and it is that mixed reaction which necessitates this new appeal.

"We have not had any new information for weeks. It's difficult to say if someone is shielding this man and we don't even know which club or gang he supported.

"If we did, then we would have directed our inquiries in that direction.

"But thankfully P.c. Simons made a full recovery, he's back on the job now and that's something we're all relieved about because it was such a terrible attack.

"The inquiry hasn't closed and any new information that comes in will be promptly looked at.'' The constable was stabbed as he tried to break up a fight which broke out between rival gangs.

He had been part of a Police Task Force which sped to the ground to combat the violence, moments before the end of the match.

The injured P.c. had to be carried by colleagues to a Police van, then driven to pick up an ambulance at Barnes Corner.

Intensive care doctors spent days monitoring the two deep stab wounds before giving him the all-clear.

And Police on the investigation team have already offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the attacker's arrest and conviction.

The gang-related incident prompted the Bermuda Football Association to announce a series of measures to curb fan violence.

They beefed up Police presence at matches, started video surveillance at night games and banned bottled drinks inside grounds.

Detectives arrested two Sandys men in their 20s during their initial inquiries, but both were released without charge.

Anyone with fresh information is now asked to call the Major Incident Room on 295-0011.

Witnesses could also call the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.

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