The father of a young man whose £23,000 Audi TT was torched, is offering a £250 reward to anyone with information that leads to a conviction.

The owner of the car, Mathew Culver, 22, was staying at his girlfriend’s house in Mill Hill on Friday night when thieves struck. The blue, 58 plate Audi TT, along with other personal belongings, were stolen.

Hours later, the car was found torched in a field on Ellens Road near salvage, parts and tyre recycling centre The DIY Motorist.

Mathew woke up at about 3.30am and went downstairs to get some cough medicine when he noticed the front door smashed open and all the kitchen cupboards open.

He immediately noticed his car keys, which were in the kitchen cupboard, had gone. His car, which was parked at the back of the house, not on the main road, was also gone. He reported the theft to the police.

Mr Culver is self-employed, running computer repair business Prism Technology in Mill Hill and co-runs The Fryer Tuck, a fish and chip shop in College Road, Deal, with his brother Jamie.

He said: “I’m really upset, to think somebody has come into the house. I can’t believe anybody would do this."

His father, Ray Culver, 52, said: “I’ve never seen a car so gutted. I was absolutely gobsmacked.

“Mat is devastated. He works day and night to pay for it and was so proud of it.

“As you can imagine, he was totally, totally inconsolable.

“I would ask all friends and neighbours to keep their ears open. I will pay £250 to anyone who can give the police any information that leads to a conviction.”

If you have any information, call Ray Culver on 07938 705863Alternatively, contact police quoting ZY/2559/14