Bite to eat costs violinist her £1m Stradivarius

A Stradivarius violin worth more than £1 million has been stolen from a classical musician after she stopped for a bite to eat at Euston station.

Police have not named the victim but it is understood to be the talented Korean-born violinist Min-Jin Kym.

She was with a friend when she stopped at a branch of Pret A Manger just outside the station last Monday evening, and placed her violin on the ground for a few moments. The 300-year-old instrument was in a black case which also contained a Peccatte bow, valued at £62,000, and another made by the school of Bazin, valued at more than £5,000.

Police today announced a £15,000 reward for information leading to the violin's recovery.

Detective inspector Andy Rose of British Transport Police said: "It's possible the instrument will be offered for sale within the antique or musical trade and we ask anyone who has any knowledge of the violin's whereabouts to come forward."

Born in South Korea, Ms Kym became the youngest ever recipient of a foundation scholarship at the Royal College of Music.

Information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.