Police have today offered a £10,000 reward to help snare a man who tried to kidnap an eight-year-old girl as she played.

Detectives hope the move will lead them to the attacker more than a month after the attempted abduction in Bexhill.

The girl was playing with friends in Woodsgate Avenue on Sunday, May 18, when the man appeared from bushes at the junction of The Avenue and London Road.

She told officers how the man, in his 40s with long ginger hair and a pierced left eyebrow, grabbed her round the throat and threatened her.

He lifted the youngster by her neck and made further threats before she wriggled free while her friend screamed for help.

The incident is being re-enacted on BBC's Crimewatch programme tomorrow using child actresses to play the victim and her friends.

BBC film crews spent two days in the resort last week reconstructing every known movement of the girl.

Detective Inspector Trevor Bowles, who is leading the investigation dubbed Operation Redoubt, said: "We've been working closely with staff from the BBC to ensure nationwide coverage.

"Officers will be ready to take calls both in the television studio and at Bexhill police station where a dedicated number will go direct to the incident room."

Officers questioned 394 motorists who were driving along the same road exactly a week after the incident.

But information leading to the culprit has so far eluded detectives. They are hoping the nationwide TV appeal will lead to further clues.

Mr Bowles said the girl was bearing up well following the shock of the attack, which happened between 6pm and 7.15pm.

But he pleaded for anyone with even the smallest piece of information to call the incident room immediately.

Crimewatch will be broadcast on BBC One tomorrow at 9pm with updates later in the evening after the national and local news bulletins.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Operation Redoubt incident room on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.