The British Transport Police (BTP) have confirmed that a small urn discovered on a train travelling from London King's Cross to Aberdeen will be returned to its owner, who has verified that the ashes inside belong to her beloved family pet.
The appeal, launched last week, sought to trace the owner of the urn, which was found on an LNER service. The urn was wrapped in a teddy bear and decorated with purple and white artificial flowers, leading officers to initially suspect it might contain human remains.
Appeal launched after urn found on train
BTP officers launched a widespread appeal after the urn and teddy bear were discovered on the train. The items were described as appearing well-loved, with the bear showing signs of frequent handling. The force initially believed the urn could hold human ashes due to its decorative appearance.
Following the public appeal, a woman contacted the police to report that she had lost the items. BTP have now confirmed that the urn contains the ashes of a "much-loved family dog," and the teddy bear holds significant sentimental value, as the woman has owned it since childhood.
Owner contacts police after appeal
A BTP spokesperson said: "Following a recent appeal, we were contacted by a lady who had lost an urn on a train to Edinburgh in May."
The spokesperson added: "We are now arranging the safe return of the urn - which contains the ashes of a much-loved family dog - and the teddy bear, which the lady has owned since childhood."
Safe return arranged
The force is now coordinating the return of the urn and teddy bear to the woman. The items were found on an LNER service travelling from London King's Cross to Aberdeen, Scotland, though the woman reported losing them on a train to Edinburgh in May.
BTP have not disclosed the exact timeline for the return, but confirmed that arrangements are being made to ensure the items are safely handed back to their owner.
