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A classical musician was targeted in a cruel 'distraction theft' outside London St Pancras train station.

Peter Facer, 38, had his oboe stolen by crooks when he was travelling back from his former woodwind teacher's retirement party in London on June 14.

The oboist was leaning against railings outside the station entrance when the thieves struck.

Mr Facer was carrying a coffee and two bags, one containing his rare oboe d'amore while the other contained his clothes and a pair of Apple AirPods.

One of the crooks pretended to ask for directions to Euston station while his accomplice stole the 'sentimental' instrument.

The young man walked away after Mr Facer repeated instructions to get to Euston as the thief claimed to have limited English.

The classical musician was 'just trying to be helpful' – but when he looked down, his possessions, including his cherished woodwind instrument, had vanished.

He said the incident felt 'like losing a limb', adding that it has been 'psychologically damaging'.

Peter Facer, 38, described having his oboe stolen as feeling 'like losing a limb'. Here he is pictured playing his 'sentimental' instrument

Mr Facer told The Times: 'They have no idea the sentimental attachment that musicians have to their instruments. It's like losing a limb.

'When they steal something like that it's psychologically damaging, which is far worse than the monetary or career inconvenience.

'And maybe they should realise that, dig deep down, find some compassion and just return the instrument for that reason.'

But, to make matters worse, two British Transport Police (BTP) officers told Mr Facer that the theft is 'not our responsibility' after he rushed over for help as it took place outside the station, making it a matter for the Met Police.

The 38-year-old said their response was 'quite infuriating' as he explained that the incident happened only minutes before he found them, meaning 'they're probably still in the station'.

He was forced to search St Pancras for the instrument by himself and had to file an online report with the Met Police instead. However the oboe is still missing.

The Met Police told the Daily Mail 'it appears to be a theft not involving violence which means we are unable to provide a comment in this instance'.

The force added that 'we won't be able to comment on individual offences of theft not involving violence, shoplifting, antisocial behaviour, criminal damage (other than that related to hate crime), car crime, bike theft, burglary, trespass, other than those matters that have a wider impact on local communities and/or significantly impact trust and confidence in the Met'.

BTP said: 'This theft occurred on Metropolitan Police jurisdiction, so details on the report and the ongoing investigation should be directed to them.'