POLICE believe the knifeman who stabbed a Taunton newsagent to within an inch of his life probably comes from outside the area.

A 28-year-old Taunton man arrested and released on bail soon after the attack on Mark Jeanes was this week eliminated from the investigation.

Several officers are still working on the case following the incident at Castle Bridge News, in Corporation Street, at 4.45pm on Saturday, August 21.

They are now in contact with other forces across the country and plan to put out a nationwide TV appeal to catch the offender.

Police spokesman Dan Mountain said: "We're spreading our net far and wide.

"We believe the man who did this may be from outside this area -- we've had a lot of information from members of the public from outside Somerset."

Police in Taunton are approaching the BBC to see if they will feature the case on its popular Crimewatch programme.

"Our inquiries are ongoing," added Mr Mountain.

Mr Jeanes, who was stabbed in the stomach an inch from the heart, returned home last week after emergency surgery at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital.

He is described as white, in his 20s and was wearing a grey hooded sports top, which covered his face, blue jeans and trainers.

n The County Gazette is offering a £500 reward and traders are putting up a similar amount for information leading to the capture and conviction of the knifeman.

Anyone with any information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.