Jammed boot lid latch on 1997 E36 BMW 328i CABRIO

The button boot lid latch on my E36 convertible is no longer operating.

It can be depressed but fails to connect & operate.

I've tried the manual key turning it right & left, 'open & closed', but apart from hearing the usual clicking it doesn't release the lid.

I've used the electronic key opening & closing button with the same result.

The soft top was on taking the car from the garage.

I stopped, went to the boot when it opened & closed normally whilst the engine was running.

2 minutes later without moving the car, lowering or opening the soft top, I again went to re-open the boot, using the button, then manual or electronic key failed to open it. The engine remained on.  I also tried the process with it off, to no avail.

All doors & windows open & close normally.

The soft top was untouched, although I have since open & closed it to ensure the trip cut out motor was not affecting the boot lid as it might have, if the top had been left partially open & not correctly seated. All worked well except the lid.

Somewhere the mechanism is not functioning.

I have yet to try tapping the back of the lid & 'mechanism' by poking a rod through the ski storage space between the rear seats but hold out little hope.  Could it be a solenoid, or fuse no. 7 under the bonnet?

Please someone provide a solution.  I've had the car since first new.

Tony D