Gang robs Hearts star at knifepoint

A YOUNG Hearts player is recovering after being assaulted at knifepoint by three men and robbed of hundreds of pounds.

Rocky Visconte, 19, escaped serious injury but suffered minor bruising to his face in the attack near the city's Fountain Park leisure complex. The Australian teenager was held up close to the old brewery gates at Fountain Park, and had 300 of cash stolen by the gang.

Visconte, who has made three first-team appearances for the Tynecastle club this season, was said to have been walking along the street at around 11:10pm on Friday when the attackers pounced. The midfielder was approached by the first suspect and a fight broke out before two other men also targeted the player.

One of the men pulled out a knife and demanded Visconte hand over cash, before the trio fled with the money.

All three suspects are described only as being of Middle-Eastern appearance and in their early-20s. One of the men had long hair.

A police spokesman said: "Unfortunately we do not have a detailed description of the suspects but given the time of night the incident occurred, we are hopeful that there are a number of potential witnesses who can assist with our inquiries.

"Anyone who was in the Fountain Park area around 11:10pm on Friday night and witnessed the incident is asked to contact police."

The incident took place close to the Fountain Park entertainment complex, which includes a casino, restaurants and bars.

Visconte, who has played for his country at under-20 level, was born in Adelaide and joined Hearts from south Australian club Para Hills at 17. He is currently on loan at Ayr United.

No-one at Hearts wanted to comment on the incident.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0131-311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.