National and military police in Kampong Speu province are searching for an armed group accused of attempting a violent robbery at a local timber merchant’s home.

Ya Sokly, Baset district police chief, said six men dressed in military fatigues, and armed with pistols and rifles approached 38-year-old Pheng Vanak as he was walking in front of his home in Phsar Slab Lerng village on Monday evening.

The group allegedly shot Vanak three times in the right shoulder and stomach, leaving him seriously injured.

Family members inside the house immediately reported the incident to police, who arrived 15 minutes later.

However, the group had already fled, having failed to break into the home.

“We are searching [for them], but we have found no traces yet,” Sokly said.

Vanak was undergoing treatment at Phnom Penh’s Calmette Hospital yesterday, having been transferred there from Baset District Referral Hospital due to the severity of his injuries.