With the lid off and all the drum etc pretty tight up against the front of the machine there wasn't much room for manoeuvering. It took me a little while to locate the 'bar' (or catch) that you refered to but it was located where you indicated. Once shifted the door opened. From there on it was...
Following a wash the door of my indesit wm12x has stuck closed.
It appears that the plastic door latch is no longer catching the release mechinism.
Two questions- is there a way to open the door without using brute force and can the latch be replaced.
vmt Paul