A couple who were beaten and threatened with a knife during a burglary at their home in Rayne will appear on Crimewatch tonight.

John and Mary Cunningham will be talking about the incident alongside detectives to make a renewed appeal for information.

Three men called at their house on Friday, February 20 between 5.40pm and 6.15pm and forced their way inside when they answered the door.

They threatened them with the knife and Mr Cunningham was also assaulted.

The raiders then made a quick search of the house before stealing a quantity of cash.

They left in a dark coloured saloon car, believed to be a Volkswagen.

All the men were quite short and wore black balaclavas and gloves.

One wore jogging bottoms with white stripes down the side and another wore a Nike jacket.

DC Mike Pannell, of Braintree CID, said: "Thankfully this type of incident is rare, but it was a vicious, nasty attack and we are appealing for anyone with information to help us catch those responsible to come forward.”

A special hotline has been set up to take information following the Crimewatch appeal.

The number for people to call will be 01376 556252.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this aggravated burglary.

Crimewatch airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One.