Alderman James McClure: Shock by apparently unprovoked attack

One close friend of Mr Moffett said he could not understand why he was targeted.

Alderman James McClure, a member of Coleraine Borough Council, said: "I am very disturbed.

"This is a very quiet, decent, inoffensive man who was never in trouble at any time - a man in my opinion who would not say boo to a goose."

RUC detectives described the attacker as aged in his early 20s, with dark hair and wearing dark clothing.

They said there were not many people in the area at the time of the stabbing but that they are hoping that by broadcasting the CCTV pictures, someone will be able to identify the attacker.

The stabbing was filmed by CCTV cameras

Detective sergeant Brian Logan said: "I am very hopeful the CCTV footage will enable me to identify this man's assailant and make an arrest."

SDLP Assembly member John Dallat said the attack was particularly shocking to the neighbourhood as it had taken place so early in the morning.

He said: "This particular man, you could have set your clock by him. Every morning at exactly the same time he went for his paper and returned to his home."