9n1 2005 rear door won't open

Hi, I'm hoping somebody can give me some pointers.

rear n/s door won't open from inside or outside, from inside the button comes up when you pull the handle but goes straight back down when you release.

I read an article saying the outside handle release wire can be removed which then allows the inner handle to work, I tried that, the end of the wire seems to now have disappeared inside the handle and it still won't open.

I have tried to remove the inside panel but VW thought it would be a good idea to make it larger than the opening so it can't be removed without destroying it.

Anybody had this and got a solution?

if I did rip the panel off do you think I can open the door?

thanks in advance.

Itchy.