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Police appeal after £150k violin stolen from pub

Jess Warren
BBC News
Met Police The brown, wooden violin lying on a patterned red fabric. Met Police
The stolen violin was made in Florence in 1740 and is thought to be worth more than £150,000

An 18th Century violin worth more than £150,000 has been stolen from a north London pub, with police appealing for help to trace the suspects.

The string instrument, which belonged to a member of London's Philharmonia Orchestra, was allegedly stolen on the evening of 18 February from The Marquess Tavern on Canonbury Street in Islington.

The theft was reported to the Met Police that evening by the 30-year-old owner.

PC Michael Collins said the "incredibly precious" violin, which the force was told was made in Florence in 1740, was "priceless" to the victim.

Met Police A blurred CCTV image of a man in a beige trench coat, black outfit and beige hat. He has dark hair and facial hair. Met Police
The Met Police is appealing for help to locate the suspect
Met Police A blurred CCTV image of a man in a black outfit and beige hat inside a pub.Met Police
Met Police A blurred CCTV image of a man holding a beige trench coat, wearing a black outfit.Met Police

PC Collins said: "We've been working hard to try and locate the suspect and are releasing this CCTV in an effort to help identify them as soon as possible.

"Please help us find the person responsible and have the violin returned it to its rightful owner."

Reports can be made to the Met on 101 quoting 01/7178074/25 or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

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