Feuding gangs in Phnom Penh’s Por Sen Chey district went into all-out war yesterday evening, but it was a well-meaning village security guard who ended up paying the price.

According to police, the 21-year-old security guard stumbled upon the two gangs fighting each other while on patrol. But a bid to disperse the fighting only got him caught in the crossfire.

The guard was beaten with chairs by members of both groups, who then fled the scene. Police are now looking for the attackers.

Kampuchea Thmey