POLICE are counting on a national television appeal tonight to help them track down armed raiders who robbed a leading racehorse trainer of £100,000.

Crimewatch UK at 9pm tonight (June 15) will feature a reconstruction of the terrifying robbery at the North-East home of Howard Johnson and his wife Sue.

The couple were threatened with a handgun and a large knife during the robbery at their home near Crook, County Durham, on Sunday, April 11.

Two men forced their way into their farmhouse at White Lea, demanding cash from the safe before escaping into the night.

They are still at large, despite an extensive police investigation and the offer of a £10,000 reward from 56-year-old Mr Johnson, who has had a string of winners through his partnership with millionaire owner Graham Wylie.

The senior officer in the case, Det Insp Simon Orton will be in the Crimewatch studio tonight to speak to anyone who calls with information.

The programme includes a reconstruction of the robbery mainly filmed in and around Mr and Mrs Johnson's home.

It includes a possible lead relating to a blue Ford Mondeo car which was seen earlier in the evening on two occasions, including a sighting by Mrs Johnson from her kitchen window.

Det Insp Orton said he hoped the Crimewatch appeal would provide a breakthrough in the case.

He said: "This was clearly a crime which had been planned in advance. Howard and Sue Johnson were subjected to a terrifying experience and left in real fear for their lives.

"I remain to be convinced however, that the robbers were truly professional in their planning and preparation.

"While they had armed themselves with significant weaponry and arrived in a vehicle or vehicles, the fact that they had to force entry potentially belies amateur criminals who have failed to plan for a crucial element.

"It is possible these "amateurs" may also have disclosed their crime to others or previously discussed their plans. I am certain that information remains within the criminal underworld which will lead me to these robbers"

"Hopefully the Crimewatch appeal will jog memories, or encourage someone who hasn't yet come forward to do so," he said.

Police are also urging anyone with information which they think could be useful to call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.