Three Italian tourists were arrested in Preah Sihanouk province on Sunday over allegations that they stabbed a group of young Cambodians following a heated argument, according to police.

Colonel Seng Sophal, deputy commander of Preah Sihanouk provincial military police, said the three suspects, Matteo Molatelli, 36; Fabio Alboni, 46; and Addrea Catto, 33, had been arguing with a group of three “young Cambodian gangsters” at O’Chheuteal beach when the verbal dispute escalated into a violent attack.

“They took out knives and chased the victims, stabbing two of them,” he said. “One got wounded on his right hand, and another was wounded on his back.”

Three knives were seized from the men after they were arrested following the attack, according to Sophal.

He added that the trio was still being held at the provincial military police headquarters yesterday while investigations were under way, but preliminary charges of violence under aggravating circumstances had been laid.

The men are expected to be sent to the provincial court for questioning this morning.