Police have put up a reward of $5,000 after drawing a blank in the hunt for the person who stabbed an officer during a riot at a football match late last year.

They are offering the money to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who attacked Pc Paul Simons at the Somerset Trojans' First Division match against Boulevard at Somerset Cricket Club on November 25.

Pc Simons, 30, was knifed in the side and back after he responded to reports of fighting at the game.

A Police spokesman denied it was an unusual move, saying: "We have offered rewards in the past, for example the murder of Rebecca Middleton, and we do it where we feel it would be useful in finding the person responsible. "Each case is considered on its merits: on this occasion we feel it may prompt people to come forward. It's generally felt it could have an effect.'' The incident, later blamed on "gang-related activities'', sent shockwaves through the local football scene, with fears at one point that further incidents of hooliganism could bring the season to a premature conclusion.

The Bermuda Football Association, enraged that their sport was being targeted, hit back by announcing a series of measures to curb fan violence -- among them a beefed up Police presence, the banning of bottled drinks and the use of video surveillance at night games.

The constable was part of a Police Task Force which sped to the ground when rival supporters spilled on to the field and started fighting shortly before the end of the evening match.

He had to be carried by colleagues to the waiting Police van before being transported to Barnes Corner where he was transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital.

He spent a short time in intensive care before being moved to a general ward but at no point were his injuries considered life-threatening.

Two men in their 20s from Sandys were initially arrested in connection with the incident but later released without charge.

A number of people have been questioned since, although Police refuse to reveal how many and whether any of those were actually under suspicion.

The spokesman added: "I wouldn't want to go into specifics.'' And he dismissed suggestions that previous appeals for information, such as the request for calls to the confidential Crimestoppers Hotline, had failed.

"I would say we got a good response to that,'' he said.

"But what you have to appreciate in an incident like this is that there were a lot of people around. A lot of the information was useful but didn't necessarily point to the person responsible.

"What we are saying now is if anybody knows who actually stabbed Pc Simons we would like to hear from them.

"If their information is sufficient they will be entitled to the reward.'' The BFA last night backed the initiative. "We would certainly applaud any possible way to bring the person who did this to justice,'' said general secretary David Sabir.

"It also sends a message to football fans that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.'' Anyone with information should contact the Major Incident Room on 295-0011.

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