TV and radio presenter Edith Bowman has made an emotional appeal for the return of a stolen suitcase after discovering it contained a ring holding her grandfather’s ashes.
The broadcaster, 52, said she initially felt frustrated when she realised her luggage had gone missing during a train journey from London, but later became visibly upset after remembering the sentimental item was inside.
Speaking in a series of videos shared to her Instagram Stories on Friday, Bowman explained that she had boarded the 9.32am service from London Paddington Station to Kemble. After getting off the train in the Cotswolds, she realised her suitcase had been taken from the luggage rack.
Describing the incident as “not the day I was hoping for, to be honest”, Bowman asked whoever had taken the case to return it to the nearest station, confirming that British Transport Police (BTP) had been informed and were reviewing CCTV footage.
However, shortly afterwards, she posted a second video in which she became emotional as she explained the full significance of what had been lost.
“I’ve just realised what’s in my bag,” she said, pausing to compose herself. Bowman explained that inside the suitcase was a jewellery box containing personal items, including a pinkie ring that holds some of her grandfather’s ashes.
She appealed for anyone who may have seen someone leaving the train at Didcot Parkway, Reading or Swindon with a dark green, old-style suitcase with brown straps to come forward with information.
The presenter has previously spoken about her close relationship with her grandfather, whom she affectionately referred to as “Grandad Bowman”. Writing in The Guardian in 2015, she recalled spending weekends with him while her parents worked at their hotel in Fife, remembering bedtime stories and simple routines that left a lasting impression on her childhood.
Following the report, BTP confirmed officers were investigating the theft of a high-value suitcase containing jewellery of sentimental value. According to police, a man boarded the train at Paddington shortly after Bowman and was later seen moving the suitcase to another carriage before leaving the train.
Officers have since recovered the suitcase itself, but its contents were missing.
Police said the man captured in CCTV images may have information that could assist with enquiries. Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 2600019296. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Bowman concluded her appeal by thanking supporters and urging anyone with information to come forward, stressing the sentimental importance of the missing ring above all other items.