Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Flautist appeals for help after £15,000 instrument stolen on train

Katherine Bryan said her flute was taken from her bag between Farringdon and East Croydon stations in London on Monday morning.

Lauren Gilmour
Wednesday 25 October 2023 06:56 EDT
British Transport Police and Thameslink are investigating the theft (Alamy/PA)
British Transport Police and Thameslink are investigating the theft (Alamy/PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A musician who performs with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has appealed for help after her “beloved” flute was stolen on a train.

Katherine Bryan, 41, who is the RSNO’s principal flautist, had her instrument stolen on Monday morning from a beige backpack on a Brighton-bound train, between Farringdon and East Croydon stations.

The flute is a Brannen silver Millennium 5320 with a silver Lafin head joint and a gold lip plate.

It is thought to be worth around £15,000 and prices can start from around £6,500 second hand.

Flutes are very personal to the player. That’s why it’s so devastating when you lose one

Katherine Bryan

British Transport Police (BTP) have launched an investigation.

Ms Bryan tweeted on Monday: “Today my beloved flute was taken.

“It was in a beige rucksack, stolen between Platform 3 at Farringdon and East Croydon Station, on the 9.34 train to Brighton.

“Flute is a Brannen silver Millennium 5320 with a silver Lafin headjoint w/gold lip plate.”

Ms Bryan told the Daily Mail she felt “physically sick” when she realised the flute was missing.

She added: “Flutes are very personal to the player. That’s why it’s so devastating when you lose one.”

She was appointed to the role of principal flautist when she was 21 and has played for the RSNO for around 20 years.

A BTP spokesperson said: “BTP received a report of a suspected bag theft yesterday morning (October 23) on a train between Farringdon and East Croydon.

“The bag contained a high value flute. Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information can contact BTP by texting 61016, quoting reference 198 of October 23.”

Thameslink, the train company Ms Bryan was travelling with when her flute was stolen, is looking into the matter.

It tweeted: “We’re sorry to hear of this upsetting news. We’re currently looking into this for you and will be back in touch if we hear anything regarding your flute.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in