Four people were killed and five were injured when they were crushed at a Chinese New Year cash giveaway in Cambodia this morning.

Thousands of hard-up locals converged on the gates of a mansion owned by tycoon Sok Kong for his annual charity event in the capital Phnom Penh.

They were jostling to receive lucky red envelopes, or 'ang pao' in Chinese, each containing 10 USD along with a sack of rice. But as the morning went on, the crowds grew and newcomers began pushing from the back.

Two elderly women and two men were trampled in the chaos and crushed to death. Police eventually dispersed the crowds along the Norodom Boulevard but paramedics were unable to save the victims.

Officials said that at least five others were taken to hospital for treatment for serious injuries.

Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng and Deputy Governor Sok Penhvuth both arrived at the scene, where they directed ambulance and police.

Governor Khuong Sreng said: 'The crowds of people pushed forwards to try and reach the gate. They could not be controlled. All four of the victims were elderly. They could not stand up when they fell under the crowd.

'The government will compensate the families of the deceased.'

The state official said that five million Cambodian Riel (1,250 USD) would be handed to the families of the deceased. The injured will each receive two million Cambodian Riel (500 USD).

Event organiser Oknha Sok Kong donated 10 million Cambodian Riel (2500 USD) to each of the deceased and two million Cambodian Riel (500 USD) to those who were injured.