Thieves have stolen the one and only prototype of a new boiler to be launched by Keston Boilers next year.
The Keston Q37 boiler had been placed outside the company's Bromley headquarters after Keston staff booked a courier to take the prototype to a photographer for some publicity shots.

However, the only shots taken involved CCTV footage of two men in a white van who nabbed the hot goods outside Keston HQ, shortly after 10am on November 25.

A spokesman for Keston Boilers said: 'The prototype was stolen before we could take photographs for advertising and we have had to delay the boiler's launch, which was scheduled for January.

She added: 'Thieves beware! While this boiler may look good, it was only a prototype and not a fully working version, so if the villains try to install the Q37 it is likely that it won't work as well as it should. If two dubious looking characters try to sell you a good-looking Keston, approach with caution, as in this instance beauty is only skin-deep'.

Speculation as to who stole the boiler continues as Keston's HQ is located down a country track, unlikely to attract the attention of passing opportunists.

Keston boilers would like its prototype back. Individuals with relevant information that would help solve this mystery can claim a reward by calling 020 8462 0262.