The veteran Hong Kong actor Simon Yam was stabbed in the stomach on Saturday while attending an event in the city of Zhongshan in Guangdong Province. His injuries were not life threatening.

Hong Kong actor Simon Yam was stabbed in the stomach at an event in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, on Saturday, July 20, 2019. [Photo: IC]

Local police said a suspect was detained following the attack in the Zhongshan Huoju Development Zone. Police have said the man has a mental illness. However it is unknown if that contributed to the attack, and the man's motive is unclear.

Further investigation is underway.

Hong Kong actor Simon Yam was stabbed in the stomach at an event in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, on Saturday, July 20, 2019. [Photo: Zhongshan Public Security Bureau]

The 64-year-old actor underwent a minor operation at a hospital in Zhongshan City, said his manager Lester Mo. "He was stabbed in the tummy area and also got a cut on his right hand," said Mo.

Yam is still being treated for injuries to the four fingers on his right hand.

The 64-year-old Hong Kong actor Simon Yam. [File Photo: IC]

Yam, who is also known by his Chinese name Yam Tat-wah, has appeared in more than 125 movies and 40 television series. He played the villain Chen Lo in the 2003 Hollywood film "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life".

(Story includes material sourced from AP.)