POLICE today released a photograph of a man they want to trace as they probe an alleged assault in Greenock's Merlin Lane on New Year's Day. Officers say they believe the man 'may be able to assist them with ongoing enquiries' in relation to an incident that occurred around 2.35am on Friday January 1. A knife attack was reported in the street that morning. The Tele reported back then how a 26-year-old man had been struck on his face and leg with a blade and rushed to Inverclyde Royal Hospital. Detectives said at the time it was a 'targeted attack' and they were following a positive line of inquiry but still wanted to hear from witnesses.