Authorities in the capital are searching for a snatch thief who grabbed a woman’s bag on Monday, causing her to fall to her death from a motorbike in Boeung Keng Kang III.

Boeung Keng Kang district governor Thim Sam An said he contacted the district police urging them to continue investigating the case. He said information must be collected and investigated to find the identity of the suspect.

“They are working on this case. I have already told the district police chief,” An said.

Boeung Keng Kang district police chief Sim Piseth could not be reached for comment.

Boeung Keng Kang III commune police chief Suoy Samith said police are investigating the case, which includes checking a security camera.

“Let us do our work first. We are checking the security camera,” Samith said before hanging up on a reporter.

According to a Boeung Keng Kang III police officer who asked to remain anonymous, a witness said the incident happened around 8pm in front of house number 96, St 310.

Prior to the incident, the victim, Liv Lay Huoy, 23, a staff at electronics store Kfour, was seen riding her scooter on the street. Another motorbike riding close behind snatched her bag which caused her to crash.

An ambulance was called to take her to the hospital but she succumbed to her injuries at Calmette Hospital the same night.

The victim lived in a rented room in Sansom Kosal village, Boeung Tompun commune, Meanchey district, Phnom Penh. She came from Sandan district, Kampong Thom province, An said.

After authorities identified the victim, they contacted her parents around midnight. Her funeral was conducted at Toul Sangke pagoda, Tuol Sangke commune, Russey Keo district, Phnom Penh.