'Historic' football medals stolen from Hearts stadium Published duration 9 August 2013

image caption The theft of the medals was discovered by a glass cleaner on Wednesday

Four "historic" football medals worth thousands of pounds have been stolen from Heart of Midlothian's stadium.

They were taken, along with a gold pocket watch, after a display case at the club's Tynecastle ground was forced open on Wednesday. The alarm was raised by a glass cleaner.

The haul included two 19th Century league championship winners' medals.

Police have issued a description of a man who was seen acting suspiciously at the stadium in Edinburgh.

Insp David Hynd said: "These medals have significant historic value, not just to Heart of Midlothian FC but to the city of Edinburgh.

"We are keen for anyone with any information to come forward and contact Police Scotland."

The stolen medals were:

An 1896/97 Scottish Football League Championship Winners' medal, won by James Mirk, worth between £1,250 and £1,500

An 1894/95 Scottish Football League Championship Winners' medal, won by George Scott, worth between £1,250 and £1,500

A Victory Cup Final runners-up medal from 1919, awarded to Bob Mercer, worth between £500 and £750

A Victory medal awarded posthumously to Harry Wattie, who was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. It was worth between £800 and £1,000.

The stolen 18ct gold pocket watch was valued at between £400 and £500.

Police said the theft took place between 08:00 and 16:30 on Wednesday.

Workers at the stadium said they had noticed someone acting suspiciously. He was described as being white, 40 to 45 years of age, 5ft 9in tall, and of medium build.