A rare #400,000 18th century clock by Birmingham's Industrial Revolution pioneer Matthew Boulton has been stolen from an antique dealers.

The Minerva clock, made about 1771, was stolen from Hotspur on Lowndes Street in Knightsbridge, London on August 22, Scotland Yard said yesterday. The timepiece stands 47cm high, and features a figure of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom.

Police asked people who saw anyone acting suspiciously in that area at around 2.30pm that day to contact them. A spokesman added: "I would like to ask dealers and proprietors of antique stores to keep a look out for this very distinctive clock."

Anyone with information was asked to contact 020 7321 6746.