Old argument sparks abortive arson attempt

A 29-year-old man who attempted to commit arson on a house in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district soon learned he should not play with fire. He was caught in the act on Sunday and had his act of mischief snuffed out when the homeowner yelled for help. A lighter and five litres of gasoline were found at the scene. Police said the arsonist had an argument with the 38-year-old homeowner a few months ago. He was sent to court. Nokorwat

Young medical student does plenty of harm

A 19-year-old medical student apparently forgot the Hippocratic Oath when he and his friend allegedly injured two other men in a street brawl in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district on Saturday. Police said the men came to blows after an argument. The suspects were also connected with a motorbike robbery last year that left a victim dead. Only one of the young men confessed to the current charges. Rasmey Kampuchea

One of two men arrested for axe of aggression

A 28-year-old man ended up in hospital after he was badly injured in a fight on Saturday in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district. He was drinking with two others – aged 20 and 21 – at a party when their drunken revelry turned into a heated argument, followed by a wooden stick and an axe to the victim’s head. Police soon arrived and arrested one of the suspects. The other assailant got away. Kampuchea Thmey

Moto thief goes for easy target, becomes one

An unemployed 32-year-old thought his luck was finally looking up when he stumbled across a motorbike with its key still in the ignition in Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork district on Sunday. He tried to make a quick getaway, but Lady Luck abandoned him when the bike’s owner called for help. He was promptly nabbed by police and sent to court. The bike has been returned to its owner, no worse for wear. Nokorwat

Three moto passengers seriously hurt in crash

Three people were critically injured yesterday after a tuk-tuk crashed into their motorbike in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district. Police say the tuk-tuk driver, 54, was at fault. The driver was apparently chatting and turning left at the same time when the accident happened. The three victims are now in hospital with serious injuries. The bikes have been taken into police custody. Raksmey Kampuchea

Translated by Phak Seangly