A stabbing rampage at a wedding party in Tbong Khmum province’s Ponhea Krek district on Tuesday left nine people injured, police said yesterday.

According to provincial police chief Mao Pao, 26-year-old suspect Chan Chhun, who was arrested, allegedly used a file as a weapon in the stabbings. Other men believed to have been involved in the attack fled, and are still at large.

“We are questioning him about his fellows and preparing documents for legal action,” Pao said.

The stabbings took place towards the end of the wedding reception, when an argument apparently broke out during the dancing, said Ponhea Krek district Deputy Police Chief Am Sophal.

The injuries, he continued, were sustained when Chhun allegedly attacked one guest and was rushed by several others, who he then also attacked.

Sophal said the victims included seven men – Ly Lim, 53; Hong Phearun, 21; Vy Vuth, 25; Vith Veun, 18; Khnhong Sengbun, 29; Bun Seng On, 26; and Chor Sokhea, 25 – and two women – Chean Chhan, 28, and Chean Huong, 49.

Police are continuing to seek Chhun’s alleged accomplices, he added.