BMW is extending a UK recall of 312,000 of its cars, amid fears they could cut out completely while they are being driven.

Vehicles involved in the recall include the BMW 1 Series, the 3 Series, the Z4 and its X1 petrol and diesel models made between March 2007 and August 2011.

The recall comes after a BBC Watchdog investigation found that cars could cut out while they are being driven.

Last year the company initially recalled 36,410 of its cars over safety issues.

However, it has since discovered that other cars may have similar problems, which were not covered by the first recall.

Speaking to the BBC, a BMW spokesperson said: "We now recognise that there may have been some cases of similar power supply issues in vehicles not covered by the original recall.

"In order to reassure customers with concerns about the safety of their vehicles, we are voluntarily extending the recall.

"We are therefore announcing today that we will take the proactive step of expanding the existing UK recall to cover all vehicles potentially affected by the power supply issue."

The German car maker has said it will open a customer complaints line and will be contacting affected owners directly.

BMW initially recalled cars in the UK after motorist Narayan Gurung - who who was driving with his wife on Christmas Day in 2016 - died when their Ford Fiesta crashed into a tree in a bid to avoid a broken-down BMW.

The BMW had had an electrical fault, causing its brake lights to fail. The car then stalled on a dark A-road.

An investigation by Watchdog has found that the fault could affect a wider number of cars.

Watch Watchdog at 8pm tonight on BBC One.