A group of 20 festival-goers fell victim to an armed robbery in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district yesterday, according to local authorities.

Teng Sino, Meanchey district police chief, reported that three of the victims were injured by gunshots when they were accosted by four unidentified thieves on motorbikes, wielding two pistols between them.

“This is not a spite-driven attack and authorities are still investigating the case,” he said. Officials from Boeung Tompun commune noted victims’ accounts suggesting that the group was attending Water Festival celebrations until late on Saturday evening and decided to stay at a relative’s house in Pochentong.

En route to their accommodation at about 2am, they were stopped in Boeung Tompun commune by the thieves, who began shooting at them.

Some victims attempted to flee to safety, but not before three were injured and the suspects made off with two motorcycles.

Sino reported that authorities arrived on the scene after the attack and sent the victims to Preah Kossamak Hospital.

If caught, the suspects could face penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and 6 million riel (about $1,500) fines for illegal weapons possession.