A 317-year-old violin taken on the Gatwick Express has been returned to its owner after being found in London.
The Matteo Goffriller 1700, in a dark red case, was taken from the 6.30am Gatwick Express at Victoria in March, as Proms musician Carol Slater and her husband travelled to the airport to catch a flight.
After a public appeal, the violin was found – slightly damaged – at a house in north west London, and returned to Ms Slater.
British Transport Police said they have reported a 51-year-old woman for theft.
Ms Slater said at the time: “I’m absolutely devastated. When I realised it was gone I was in complete shock.
"I have had it for 40 years and it was my most precious possession. All I want is to get it back.”
Ms Slater would not reveal the instrument’s value but a similar Goffriller sold at auction for £180,000 in 2015.
Her violin is reportedly one of fewer than 20 examples left of the Italian’s work.
