Prize-winning violinist leaves 300 year old instrument on train – before another passenger nicks it

A PROFESSIONAL musician is heartbroken after her 300-year-old violin was taken by a stranger when she accidentally left it on the train.

Jane Gordon, 37, is appealing for the safe return of her prized possession after a member of the public nicked it when she left it in the luggage rack on a train from London Waterloo on Monday evening.

The instrument, worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, was removed by a passenger from the rack at Queenstown Road Station at about 6:50pm - three hours after Jane got off the train at St Margaret's near Richmond-upon-Thames.

The talented musician is offering a reward for its return as she is due to play in the prestigious Proms concerts next week.

Jane said: "I would like the violin back.

"I am due to play in the Proms concerts next week.

"I have had it for about four years and it's like a member of my family, and the sound it makes is like a human voice.

"It is old and holds a lot of sentimental value to it.

";I am willing to offer a reward for the instrument if it is found.

"Please return it safely."

The violin is a Maggini and was stored in a black case with “Gewa” on the side. There’s a pouch on the outside of it which contains a blank envelope with strings inside labelled La Folia.

It has a distinctive wooden chin rest, a pouch containing asthma medication and four bows, including two which are unusual.