Police have revealed further shocking details of a brutal gang robbery that left ex Liverpool FC player Andre Wisdom with stab wounds to his head and backside.
The 27-year-old defender, who now plays for Derby County, was attacked in the early hours of Sunday, in the Beaumont Street area of Toxteth, where he had reportedly been visiting a family member.
A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said officers received reports that a 27-year-old man was walking to his car at around 4.30am when he was assaulted by four men wearing masks and armed with knives.
The gang also stole his "designer watch" during the attack.
Wisdom suffered stab wounds to his buttocks and head and was taken to hospital, although his injuries are not understood to be life threatening.
An investigation is underway and house-to-house and CCTV enquiries have been carried out.
Detective Sergeant Richie Shillito said: “I would appeal to anyone who was in the area around Beaumont Street around 4.30am who saw anyone or anything suspicious to contact us.
"Similarly I would ask for anyone who captured anything significant on dash-cam footage to get in touch as they may have information which is vital to our investigation.
“The investigation is in the early stages but we are determined to find the people responsible for this assault and robbery and I would urge anyone who knows anything to come forward.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for Derby County said: "Derby County Football Club can confirm that Andre Wisdom has been the victim of an unprovoked assault and robbery.
"He sustained injuries which resulted in him being admitted to hospital, where he is in a stable condition.
"Merseyside police are investigating and the Club will focus its efforts on supporting Andre and his family.
"Therefore we will not be making any further comment at this time."
The club also tweeted out a touching get well soon message to the player who previously signed for LFC back in 2008.
A spokesperson for the club shared a picture of him alongside the message: "Get well soon, Wis."
A group of Derby County fans have already raised hundreds of pounds in order to create a flag to show their support.
On their GoFundMe page, fans have said: "Andre Wisdom was involved in a stabbing whilst visiting relatives in Merseyside, fellow Derby fans & I would like to raise money so we can make a flag to be put into Pride Park to show him our support as a club.
"Any donation is welcome.
"We wish Andre a speedy recovery & our thoughts are with his family at this time."
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 20000377145.
