Police investigating a "terrifying" sex attack on a woman who was tied up in her own home will use Crimewatch to appeal for more information.

The 32-year-old victim was assaulted by a man who entered her house, threatened her with a firearm, tied her up and demanded money.

He then sexually assaulted her before fleeing in the family's BMW car, which was later found abandoned near Plains, North Lanarkshire.

The attack happened at about 8.30am on September 5 last year, at a farm near Salsburgh, North Lanarkshire.

A reconstruction on tonight's Crimewatch will show the incident and there will be an interview with the victim, played and voiced by actors to protect her identity.

Speaking ahead of the programme, Detective Chief Inspector Garry Church, who is leading the investigation said: "Our initial public appeal in November was very positive and the public, especially those in the local area, have been extremely helpful; however, we are now turning to Crimewatch to help to identify the man responsible for this terrifying attack on a woman in her own home.

"We are very hopeful the reconstruction and our direct appeal will jog someone's memory and give us the vital piece of information we require to catch the man responsible."

The suspect is described as 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins, stocky and with a noticeable beer belly. He wore tights over his face and a khaki green army-style jumper with patches on the elbows and heavy boots.

The programme will be screened on BBC1 at 9pm this evening.