A British national was the victim of an apparently random axe attack in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district late on Wednesday night, leaving him with a head wound that required treatment at hospital.

Phillip Shcimmin, 26, was reportedly walking with friends in the park in front of Wat Botum pagoda, when a man ran up and hit him in the head with the weapon.

Police said the suspect, identified as Dem Ngour, 21, did not know Shcimmin and was under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he launched the unprovoked attack.

Ngour was captured near the scene by police officers.

“He did not attempt to rob the victim or have any disagreement with him,” said Chaktomuk commune police chief Choun Chet.

Shcimmin was taken to Phnom Penh’s Calmette Hospital for treatment, and had apparently been discharged by yesterday afternoon.

A member of staff confirmed his wound had been attended to in the minor surgery unit.

The British Embassy confirmed they were providing consular assistance, but declined to comment on the incident.