A NATIONWIDE appeal to track down a man who strangled and then set alight a Hampshire taxi driver has produced only two new lines of inquiry, police have admitted.

Detectives in London and Hampshire manned phones until the early hours of the morning after a graphic film reconstructing the brutal attack on 52-year-old Derek Fletcher was aired on the BBC's Crimewatch show.

Officers involved in the Operation Seymour investigation were hoping for a major breakthrough in capturing the man responsible, who has been at large since the attack in Eastleigh's Stoneham Lane on Monday, May 21.

Crimewatch presenter Fiona Bruce described the case as truly shocking and pleaded for the nation's help in catching the "sadist who strangled and torched the cabbie".

She added: "Derek is never going to be able to drive a cab again - physically from his burns and mentally from the trauma."

Detectives received a number of calls following the appeal but Hampshire police also admitted the response had been poor.

A police statement said: "Two calls specifically contained new information which has led officers to follow those lines of inquiry."

Officers declined to reveal any information about the new leads.

Perry McMillan, chairman of the Southampton and Eastleigh branch of the TGWU's cab section, said he was disappointed.

He added: "We're pleased that there have been no similar attacks but there is always a fear that this maniac might strike again.

"It is an incident which is still very much in the minds of taxi drivers.

"We would urge anyone who watched the programme who has any relevant information to come forward."

Meanwhile his advice to cabbies picking up lone passengers is not to let them sit behind the driver.

The brave Eastleigh cabbie faced the cameras to tell the nation how he feared he was going to die at the hands of his sadistic attacker.

Recalling the assault, Mr Fletcher said: "He threw this rope around my head and proceeded to strangle me. I thought this is it, I'm a gonner."

The cabbie came round to find his left leg on fire.

Detectives have issued a description of the man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

He is described as white, about 5ft 10in, thin, of gaunt appearance, close shaven and wearing a dark-coloured hooded top.

Anyone with information should contact Eastleigh CID on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.