PORTLAND, Ore. -- Portland police are investigating a possible hate crime against two men who had been holding hands in public on Sunday evening.

The pair, identified as Brad Forkner and Christopher Rosevear, told officers that three men attacked them as they were walking through a city park.

Forkner reported that he was pushed and punched before he broke away and called 911. The attackers hit Christopher Rosevear in the head, face, back and ribs before running off, police said.