**Editors Note: Images of a man police believe might be able to assist with their inquiries are available via email by contacting NSW Police Force’s Media Unit on (02) 8263 6100**

Police have released CCTV images of a person who investigators would like to speak to, following an attempted armed robbery and stabbing near Toronto earlier this week.

About 7pm on Monday 2 September 2013, a man entered a bottle shop on Haydenbrook Road at Woodrising and threatened the male owner with a knife.

He demanding money and a scuffle ensued between the pair. The shop owner was stabbed a number of times during the altercation and the man fled a short time later.

Police attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command were called to the location and launched an investigation into the incident.

The shop owner was treated by Ambulance Paramedics at the scene, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital. He remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Detectives have now released images of a man, who they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 25 years of age, approximately 175cm tall, with a solid/muscular build and short blonde hair.