Authorities are attempting to locate the family of a person whose cremated remains were left on a passenger train arriving in Aberdeen from London. The decorative urn, which has been in storage at Aberdeen railway station for approximately four months, was handed to lost property staff after arriving on an LNER service originating from London Kings Cross.
The vessel is a small red urn cradled in the arms of a brown teddy bear and decorated with artificial purple and white flowers, with a golden ribbon secured around its top. Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) have launched an appeal to identify the rightful owner, acknowledging that the item holds profound sentimental significance for whoever lost it during the journey.
What do authorities know about the urn?
The urn is believed to contain human ashes or cremated remains based on its appearance and the manner in which it was presented. The distinctive presentation—nestled within a teddy bear and adorned with flowers and ribbon—suggests it was being transported with considerable care, indicating its emotional importance to the person carrying it.
Why has it remained unclaimed?
Despite being held in storage by ScotRail for four months, BTP has been unable to identify the owner or determine where the passenger boarded or exited the train during its journey from London to Aberdeen. The lack of identifying information or documentation accompanying the urn has complicated efforts to trace its owner.
What are police asking the public to do?
BTP officer Gary Herning stated:
The urn appears to contain human ashes or remains and will clearly be of enormous sentimental value to someone. Unfortunately, we have no further information on where the owner may have boarded or alighted during the journey.Police are urging anyone with information about the urn or knowledge of who may have lost it to contact British Transport Police directly.
Key Facts
- The urn has been held at Aberdeen station for approximately four months after being handed in to lost property
- It arrived on an LNER service from London Kings Cross
- The urn is decorated with artificial flowers, a golden ribbon, and cradled by a brown teddy bear
- British Transport Police have no additional information about the passenger who left it or where they boarded the train
