A man was arrested on Wednesday for the rape of an 18-month-old child in Siem Reap’s Sotr Nikum district.

Construction worker Soa Sophal, 35, allegedly raped the child on Monday, but the crime was only reported on Wednesday, according to Child Protection Unit Director James McCabe.

“The offender admitted to a digital rape, but the injuries sustained are perhaps more substantial than a finger,” McCabe said.

Sotr Nikum District Police Chief Nob Sarak said the accused was visiting his aunt, who lived next door to the victim. At around 1pm, the victim’s mother placed her in the care of her neighbour, who then entrusted her to the alleged perpetrator when she went out to the market.

Sarak said the mother returned to find her daughter bleeding and tests at the hospital revealed she had been sexually assaulted. He said the alleged perpetrator would be charged with aggravated rape.

Unicef said in a statement children have the right to be protected from sexual abuse and said perpetrators must be brought to justice.