A cockfighting ring was smashed on Monday after police raided a house, making a number of arrests and seizing birds and motorbikes.

Police said a neighbour, recognising the familiar sound of cocks standing beak to beak, reported the activity, allowing police to arrive and catch the promoters in the act.

Four men and a woman were arrested, but others fled. Police are intending to make the arrested swear to sever all ties with the blood sport before releasing them. KAMPUCHEA THMEY