British police launch appeal for stolen 300-year-old violin

LONDON - British detectives have launched a public appeal for information after a South Korean musician was left distraught by the theft of her 314-year-old antique Stradivarius violin at a London railway station, reports said.

Media reports said 32-year-old Min-Jin Kym, who has recently performed with the Philharmonic Orchestra, had been deeply upset by the theft of her precious violin and two extremely expensive bows, while she was eating a sandwich with a friend at Euston station.

The instrument, made in 1696, was estimated to be worth around 1.2 million pounds ($1.9 million) the Guardian reported Tuesday.

A reward of 15,000 pounds had been issued by Lark Insurance Broking Group, for anyone providing information leading to the violin’s recovery.

“These items hold enormous sentimental and professional value for the victim, but although they are extremely valuable, it would be very difficult to sell them on as they are so rare and distinctive that they will be easily recognised as stolen property,” detective Andy Rose of British Transport Police (BTP), said.