The kidnappers of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston have released a new video of him in which he is wearing what he says is an explosives vest.

In the tape, Mr Johnston says his captors have said they will detonate the vest if force is used to try to free him.

It is the second such video released since Mr Johnston was abducted in Gaza on 12 March.

The BBC renewed its appeal for Mr Johnston’s immediate release.

In a statement, the corporation said: “It is very distressing for Alan’s family and colleagues to see him being threatened in this way.

“We ask those holding Alan to avoid him being harmed by releasing him immediately.

“We are keeping his family fully informed and offering them our continued support.”

Mr Johnston’s father, Graham, said: “My family and I are obviously most concerned and distressed at this latest development.

“Our thoughts, of course, are with Alan in his present predicament. We earnestly request his abductors to release Alan, unharmed in any way.”

Talks ‘promising’

In the tape, posted on a website used by militants, Mr Johnston is seen wearing a device around his torso and attached to shoulder straps.